E300 SOV connector removal
 

Is there a trick to removing the 4 pin connector plug on the shut off valve?
It will not just pull off. There is a thin metal band around the end, does that need to be pried off first? 1999 E300.

If it's like gasser injectors, removing or at least partially removing the metal band will allow you to pull off the connector.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Feel around the perimeter of the connector for a tab. Try carefully rotating that tab counterclockwise. I believe this is a bayonet lock connector, the collar rotates a quarter turn, which unlocks the connector to allow it to be unplugged. Similar style connector to what is used at the transmission.

When you go to plug it back in you'll need to line up the pins as well as the slot on the collar, carefully push in while rotating the collar back to the locked position.

IIRC that ring acts as a "spring". Pretty sure it just pulls straight off to remove.

As above , always just pulled it off

It's just snapped on, no tricks. I usually just pull and wiggle the connector back and forth until it comes off.

Take care when you're pulling that: 1. You're not pulling so hard that your hand smashes into something sharp when it lets go and 2. When it lets go, you don't rip the connector off the wire.

This is just a complicated way of saying to have control of your hand when pulling.

As above, the ring sits over a small plastic lip, can be tricky to remove though - try using a large rag to grasp it, if that fails very gentle tap with socket extension or similar just to free it up a little.