How to Remove 7-Way Trailer Wiring Plug from Socket on 2015 Audi Q7 with Factory 7-Way

Published 02/21/2019

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Question:

How do you remove the wiring plug from a 7 pin connector ?? This is the vehicle factory 7 pin connector on a 2015 Audi Q7. I have tried to pull it apart but cannot get it to release. I have looked for some tab or something that you might have to pry on but did not find one

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

A vehicle 7-way harness will have a locking tab of some type to ensure the wiring harness remains connected to the socket. This is an important safety feature for maintaining all of the trailer signals but especially so for the power to the trailer brakes.

The exact appearance and operation of these locking tabs can vary. For example, on Hopkins 7-way harness # HM40975-11998 there is a small grey locking tab, shown in one of the linked photos, that slides to lock/unlock the connection. Your factory wiring should have some type of safety feature like this but it may be a press-to-release tab as on part # 20147, shown in the other photo.

Sometimes the build up of road grit and salt can make it hard to see the nature of the mechanism. If you can send along a clear close-up photo of your harness/socket connectors I may be able to figure out how the locking mechanism works.

expert reply by: Adam R