Mug

Does anyone know how to "unlock" this connector? This is the connector to the HFL module in the overhead panel.





I tried to pull out that black strip, but didn't want to yank too hard.

TL1999

do u mean open the gray casing?

Mug

I want to insert more pins but they won't go in. So, like the other connectors in the car, you have to "unlock" it before you can insert or remove the pins. On the white connectors, there are tabs on the side that you release. Then you can insert the pins. To remove, you also have to put a needle to release the tab on each pin.

I just want to know how to add more pins. Maybe there is a trick to doing it.

zeppelin77

I know that connector well. It was a major bitch.
Acura/Honda connectors are doubly locked. The first lock is that black piece of plastic you pulled and it locks all the pins. That's as far as it pulls out. The second lock is at each individual pin. If you shine a light through an empty pin hole, you will understand what I'm saying much better. There is a clip that prevents you from pulling the pin out. You have to lift it up to disengage the pin. Then you can pull the pin out. It helps to push in the pin in a little to relieve the tension before you try to lift the clip up.
I used the Honda pin tool set ($50), but you may be able to use this: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947090000P instead. Or, get the smallest flat head screwdriver you can find (i.e. ones used for eyeglass repair) and sand it down as sharp as you can get it. I think this would work best.

By the way, I think Martin installed the wrong pins for your harness because the 04-06 HFL pins are larger than the 07-08 HFL pins. That's probably why you can't insert them into the connector. I noted this in my write-up on my upgrade project: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/success-upgraded-04-06-navi-07-08-navi-w-navtraffic-691376/ "Another pain in the ass is that the HFL and XM receiver uses different connectors than an 04-06. And on top of that, the HFL unit uses different size pins, so you have to crimp the old wiring with new pins in a very tight space."

Hope this helps.

zeppelin77

I like your idea of using a needle to release the tabs. Never thought of that.

Mug

Ok, so I have it unlocked, but I probably have the wrong pins. Does your photo library include a picture of the correct pins for this connector? Martin is going to send me the right ones once he knows what I need. If you have a photo already, that would save me the heart ache of pulling a pin from my connector. Or just a part number and where you purchased them would also help.

Thanks again for all your help! Oh, and credit goes to Martin for the needle idea.

zeppelin77

Sorry, no photo and no PN.