O2 Sensor Connectors -- help me Rhonda!
 

I've got a 99 2.5 with 4 O2 sensors. I'm doing an IMS retrofit and pulling the exhaust.
Everything going well so far, except...

I'm struggling to disconnect the O2 sensor connectors -- the black ones with the burgundy colored end pieces. I looked online and seems that I should be able to tug on the burgundy end-piece and pull/slide it out to disconnect the connector. But mine aren't budging. I don't want to break them.

The vehicle is in overall great shape with minimal corrosion underneath and the connectors are in good physical condition. Again, appreciate any words of wisdom...

get a flat head into the recess and twist. there is nothing to depress or mess with, the burgundy bit pulls out, just gotta get past the initial resistance.

If you are cautious, you could try an interior trim tool instead of a screwdriver.

That did it -- thank you! Looks like there is a tiny notch on the underside of the burgundy bit so followed your recommendation and pressed a smaller flat head driver into it and gently twisted a few times back and forth and it came free. After 21 years I think the connector mechanism was a little gritty so somewhat difficult to break-free initially. All good now...