How to remove alternator connector clips

[mscowcat]

I've googled around and can't seem to find an answer. I'm replacing my water pump and will need to remove the alternator but the electrical connector plugs will not come out. I don't see any push in clips so I'm just trying to wiggle it back and forth but it's not moving. In the past I would just use a screw driver and pry the sucker out but I want to do it right.

Also i noticed many of the cables are held in place by zip ties which are attached to some part of the engine via bolts. When you take your car to Toyota do they snip these zip ties and replace them or is there a secret to releasing the zip ties so that the cables can be removed and the zip ties reused.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by mscowcat

I've googled around and can't seem to find an answer. I'm replacing my water pump and will need to remove the alternator but the electrical connector plugs will not come out. I don't see any push in clips so I'm just trying to wiggle it back and forth but it's not moving. In the past I would just use a screw driver and pry the sucker out but I want to do it right.

Also i noticed many of the cables are held in place by zip ties which are attached to some part of the engine via bolts. When you take your car to Toyota do they snip these zip ties and replace them or is there a secret to releasing the zip ties so that the cables can be removed and the zip ties reused.

For the four pin connector on the alternator the squeezer is on the side facing the intake manifold. It is stiffer plastic than many of the other connectors, so it takes a bit to squeeze it.