I am getting a P0661 code. I have removed the UIM and have
access to the solenoid, but I cannot get the connectors out.
I have pushed down on the center tab with no luck, but I don’t
want to break them. Could anyone tell me the proper way to remove
the colored connectors. I want to replace all the solenoids.

 

Pliers, strength and trust that it won't break. They are super hard to get the connector clips off.
Or you can pull the solenoid off the intake, there is a little clip that lock's it on to the intake on the back side of the solenoid opposite side of the vacuum hose's. Then you can hold the solenoid in you're hand and try getting the clips off

 

Thank You,
I will try it tomorrow.

 

You can mess it up real quick that way. Better to use something to press down positively on the clip if you’re unsure you’re pressing it fully with your finger and then use something like a flat blade screwdriver to insert in a gap between the connector and solenoid and then turn-pry it out. Once it moves it should come out easily. They just get a bit stuck from the heat. Otherwise if you’re just doing it by hand you have to be persistent and have strong enough fingers to sort of wiggle it as you pull.

.

 

Thank You,
I will try this first !

 

Thank you to everyone who gave me advice. I was able to easily remove the solenoids following these three steps. Remove each solenoid and connector individually starting from the top.
1st) remove the solenoid from the tree with a flat head screw driver push in the vertical slot in the tree.
2nd) disconnect a the hose.
3rd) rotate the solenoid so you can see the release on the connector, push in with the flat head screw driver and pull the connector off.

Thanks again

 

do the clips always break on the back of the solenoids?
mechanic did mine and said he rarely gets them off without the old ones cracking part of the clip off?

 

If you follow the steps in the thread they come out with no problem.
All the clips are easy to reach and remove from the passenger side
of the vehicle after you remove the upper intake manifold.

 

I have the same issue as Original Poster. I spent an hour trying to clip it off. So finally, I took a razor blade and started cutting the plastic, except the knife slipt and cut 1 of the 2 wires.

I krimped it with butt connectors and prayed for the best.

when I put everything back on I got a new check engine light p2759 - electrical

the krimping didn’t work. It makes sense since it is swimming in transmission fluid. What do I do? How do I salvage this situation?

My best idea is water proof krimping. What do you guys think? Please help! I need my car!