That's how you break plastic connectors. With a metal tool. In reality the trick is to first push in the connector (like when you'd want to put it back on and make sure it's seated properly), then press the lever tab, and only try to pull of afterwars. Works like a charm, every time.

if you push in the connector while pushing down the tab and then pull the connector off, it's a piece of cake to remove.

YES YOU ARE A GENIUS! My fiance and I were struggling and sweating and getting pissed off at the one on the diverter valve. Grabbed a pick and it popped off so easily! Thank you!

Many thanks saved me a lot of frustration

I could kiss you right now for posting this. Love driving these cars but hate the electrical connectors.

THANK YOU!! I also was going batshit trying to figure out that D switch on an 02 TDI jetta. I was able to release the inside clip with a right angle pick or a tiny allen wrench. The trick is to reach in and pull UP. Great Help!

This is the wrong way and will probably damage the plug over time.

This was what I was looking for. It would have been easier to see if you had used a higher resolution.

thank you very much for this great tip

Does not work on all of them. I've tried every version of this and even made several custom tools. In the end I just bust the crap out of them and rip them off. Seriously bad engineering from a German company.

Here is the right procedure that requires no tools and will not break the connector (go to 3 min 57 " to arrive directly to the procedure):

Thank you! I had been fighting the connector on my van for over an hour. Again, thanks a lot!

THANK. YOU!!! I could not figure out how to release these without breaking something.

imo the #1 sign of a poor design is if you have to google how to use it. This did work with a little force but I wouldn't say I've seen the light. It still makes no sense to me.

Yea Man - THANX and merry Xmass too