Hi Thanks for the replies, after walking away from it last night after spending all day changing exhaust manifold gasket (which I think proves that I am getting to old for car repairs)

I took it to work and under much better conditions I managed to ease it slightly which enabled me to fish out connector. Its got cable reconnected now and ready to refit to car so hopefully it will work ok. Sorry its to late now to take photo's but if it fails to work will open it up and take photo's then.
Its a pleasure to start car now after about 18 months of noise when cold even after taking account cruise problem.
Quick change of subject I found it impossible to refit exhaust to manifold just could not get it over studs without having to seperate Cat to middle box section which as the exhaust is still original (1999) I did not want to do.
I purchased bolts from dealers which it also shows on EPC removed studs and it fitted in about 10 minutes after struggling for about 2 hours.

Just thought I would mention it as its an easy fix even but better done when you first take manifold off.

Cheers again
Brian