Airbag diagnostic connector????

[cojonepony]

I've located the connector, but I'll be damned if I can separate the mutha. I'm getting a code 61 (bad ground between airbag monitor and chassis). According to the shop manual I should be able to clear the code by shorting pins 17 and 18 until it beeps. The trouble is there's no room to work on it and I can't get the connector apart. Any suggestions? I've just about had it with the dealer. They claim I need a new diagnostic monitor and that I'll have to pre-pay the order for the new one. In the mean time I took the car back after paying 1.5 hours shop time for diagnosis and I just noticed that the plastic kickpanel under the glovebox is still at the dealer. I gave them a quick call after work and the guy says "I hope it didn't get thrown out". These people are driving me insane! After this fiasco I plan to stay far away from dealerships.