How To: Brittle Lever Locks

Hello again-
Anyone have a trick for unplugging the engine side lever locks without breakin' them?
I can only loosen them a tad bit before the resistance really kicks in and I'm afraid if I muscle it too much, it's going to snap.
I'm looking at products that might "condition" the plastic. . . Anything like that you guys might know about and/or recommend. Mr. Beasley's looks hopeful. Perhaps.

Anyone got any pointers?

Any advice beyond: "Just be careful, or you'll break it."

 

Hi there-
I don't know what they're actually called. I'm referring to the plastic yellow rectangular shaped tab/locks you have to pull down to unseat the wiring harnesses on the engine side, below the fuse box.
I'm trying to upload a pic, but keep getting an error message.

 

There! It uploaded!
One small win for the good guys!!

 

I'll take a closer look and see.
They seem to pull forward/downward a little, then get stuck. It seems like it will snap if I force it all the way over. When I went to pick up a part for a different problem, the service dept. at the dealership was kind enough to tell me it takes two people to kind of hold everything together and apply even pressure. . .
But, it's just, there's gotta be a trick! That can't be it, can it. . . Lol?
I'm still feelin' pretty gunshy, even with a helper to "hold it all together."

In any case, I'll double check to see if there's a way to unlock it by pushing downward first. Maybe it'll let go.

Thanks for the reply!

 

Thank you for taking the time! I knew cleaning it would be a good idea, but I was too nervous about getting too close with any kind of cleaning solution/water. I'm going to take your advice. I know it's golden.
Wish me luck,
All the best to you!

 

So, what are they "properly" called?