2019–4x4 Front Differential Actuator Plug Help

[DBrown95]

Ahoy,

I just bought a 2019 Laramie 1500 and the previous owner said both 4wd actuators need to be replaced. After reading on forums I learned with the oil filter directly above it, the plug can get gunked up. Before ordering new actuators I wanted to clean the plug

I CANT GET THE DAMN THING OFF. I got the red release tab to slide all the way to the back of the plug, which I’m assuming released the retention of it. I’ve been using a small flathead to try and pry while I pull the male plug out of the actuator and it feels like it’s super glued. Is there any advice on how much force it could take?

The truck has 160k on it and I don’t think it’s ever been off.

Also, it would be a lot easier to take the plug off if I un-bolted the actuator but I want to avoid that in case I get lucky by cleaning the plug.

 

[Sascwatch]

Red lock tab is a safety for the main tab holding the connector on. Once it is released you’ll have to push down on the release tab to get the connector to come free.

It may also help to use compressed air to clean off the connector prior to removal, sometimes they’ll get enough dirt in them so they don’t release.

 

[DBrown95]

Red lock tab is a safety for the main tab holding the connector on. Once it is released you’ll have to push down on the release tab to get the connector to come free.

It may also help to use compressed air to clean off the connector prior to removal, sometimes they’ll get enough dirt in them so they don’t release.

I actually finally found a YT video showing just the connector so I got it.

Thank you man.

 

[DBrown95]

For anyone else coming across this differential plug.

There’s a red tab, you need to slide towards back of plug, and it moves pretty easy for me.

Then as H20man mentioned, there’s a second retention tab that’s revealed after you slide the red tab back and you’ll push it straight down towards the ground and you’ll feel it click.

After that the plug slides off with ease. It also may have helped me that it was soaked in oil haha.
Good luck