'94 Ranger 2.3L. For the life of me, I've not been able to disconnect the O2 sensor plug. I've tried inserting a small flathead screwdriver in the center groove to press the tab down while pulling...no luck. I'm afraid that in my frustration I may break the plastic connector that I am trying to release the old plug from. Does anyone have some hints on how to disconnect this thing? Already have the sensor 1/4 turn loose. So close, and I can't get it disconnected. (this is my first time doing this)
Thanks

 

Sometimes they get stuck. Just have to work it a bit.

 

Spray a little silicone in it, might loosen the connection.

 

Ok...I've worked on this silly thing all day and that electrical connector hasn't budged. This isn't right. Everything I've read in regard to doing this O2 sensor change just says "disconnect the electrical connector"...and then discusses the difficulty of loosening the sensor itself. Loosening the sensor was easy...took a few minutes. What sounded like a simple disconnect has been impossible...so far. Oh well...I'll give it a little shot of silicone in the morning and will keep working at it.
Cole, Carl...thanks for the feedback. Hopefully I'll be in a better frame of mind about this in the morning.

 

If the connector is flexable enough, use a small knife or small screwdriver and work around it.

 

they can be a royal PITA to unplug...try pushing the connector in a little while you press down on the tab...thats worked for me in the past

 

Ok...it's finished. Yikes! What a P.I.T.A.! I decided to put a little penetrant where the male and female plug comes together...waited an hour or so...no change. I decide to try prying the entire plug assembly off the metal arm to which it was held by 2 plastic clips. The 2 plastic clips broke and the entire connection was now within my reach and sight. Pushing the clip down while pulling, now with both hands, didn't do anything. Finally ended up putting a big flathead screwdriver to it in hopes of prying it apart. It stated to separate...but in tiny tiny little increments. I was wondering if someone had super-glued the assembly together! They were finally worked apart, but this thing just did not want to separate. The old sensor came out and the new one went in...then the connection of the "new" male plug was very very tight, so I scraped the interior the female part of the assembly and after working things back and forth a bit, the new plug slid right in and clicked in place. A zip-tie to the metal bracket and the job was done.
This job probably had 15 minutes worth of actual work. Without the trouble with the electrical connector, it would have been a breeze. Anyway..thanks to all who offered up advise. (this was still worth the effort and was lots cheaper than having the dealership do it!!!)