I have a pin extractor at work that we use for DB9 and DB25 connectors. Any idea if that would work to release the pin from its holding place?

 

Kinda looks like this: pin extractor

I think the DB9/25 pins are larger. I had one too and it didn't help on my Z110. I ended up slicing open the nylon connector because I couldn't get mine to release.

If you are looking to order these pins the following link has them at a goog price and small quanties.

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/270905-conn-term-female-22-28awg-crimp-08-70-1040.html

Looks like the minimum order from jameco is 30 now. Anyone have a couple laying around that they are willing to sell?

I'm in the same situation with my z140. I ripped the mute wire out of the pin by mistake. i was able to get the rest of it out by slicing the plastic with a knife and working it out from there, but it's too screwed up to try to solder back on the wire. Will it mess up the unit if i just plug the rca back in until the new pins arrive in the mail?

yes - I found that the power cable pins from old 3.5" floppy drive off of an old dead computer power supply works great and fits in the a/v harness pin holes perfectly

you dont have to tear up the connector

the trick is htere is a lift-up "bar" tab across the side of the connector. use a small screwdriver/pry tool to unlock/lift-up the bar at each end, and it will allow the pins to just slide out.

I fiddled with it for a while thinking they were back/front locking pins, til i realized there is that snap in bar on the side holding them in.