My 97 Legacy Outback has a EJ2.2 engine and I am trying to replace the ignition coil. I can't figure out the trick to unplugging the pigtail connection.  It doesn't want to just pull apart.  Do I just need to use more force or is there some trick.  I notice there is something on top that I can push down and on the sides of the plug is are more things that might need to have something done to them.  

 

Anyway, I don't want to force it ... or cut the wire on the coil side of the connection and remove the coil then try again. I have not tried spraying it with WD40 or anything else to try to loosen it up choosing instead to come here and ask someone who knows.  

 

Thanks in advance for any help.  

There's a small tab on the connector. If pushing down on it doesn't work, pull up on the tab and pull the plugs apart.

I tried the pushing down and that didn't seem to do the trick so now I will try the pulling it up. Hopefully that will work. I must say, pushing down seemed to be more natural and intuitive based upon past experience. 

Yeah some you push down and some you pull up. Hope that works for you.

It's probably the grey connector. You need to push down on the tab to unlock it. If it's never been off before it's gonna be wicked tight, you might try carefully squeezing it with pliers. You may have to carefully take a flat blade screwdriver and pry the connect off to break it loose. I've had those really not want to come apart before.

That one at the coil is a pull up tab.  Most of the engine connectors are.....much easier than the squeeze or "push down" types.

 

Pull up on tab, lightly...pull connector apart.

I have now tried pulling up gently and by inserting a flat blade screwdriver under it to be more forceful.  Likewise in the downward direction. The connection does move a little in there so I know it's not frozen stiff but I'll be darned if I can get it loose.  I don't mind breaking the connector if it's only on the coil side since I am replacing it anyway.. if you can be more specific as to how to go about doing that.  I am getting to my wits end but shudder at the thought of paying someone $100 just because he can open it and I can't. 

 

Thanks for continued help. 

Edited March 19, 201412 yr by revtim

Use the tip of your pointer finger to pull up on the small tab on the top side of the plug, while using your other fingers and your other hand to pull the 2 plugs apart. Use some force.