DCC connector problem

[Summertrainz]

i was removing my tender from my dcc 2-8-0 loco and i might have broken the connector...
im not sure
there connected by wires with little plastic plugs
does the protruding metal parts come out of the connector or the board?
they are in the connector
my thought is that it's suppose to be in the connector...
but also that makes me nervous is that they are not going in together
(the board and the connector)
it seems to have slots that the metal protrusions go into...
but they dont seem to go in
they are very small parts
my question is
is it my fault that i cant get it in or can some one show me a diagram of the connector and the tender board
usually they fit easily
i just want to know to repeat.
is the metal protrusions on the plug or the board
i had a concern that the metal "things"
got stuck in the plug from sudden pulling
or not
i dont want to send it out for warrenty  if its not broken
thanks
-summertrainz

[Summertrainz]

i guess there called male and female connectors...

[SteamGene]

They're called male and female connectors.  Is there a loose wire?  If so, it can be fixed.  This is not necessarily an easy job, but it can be fixed. 
The less the loco is separated from the tender, the better.
One more reason why Tony's Trains has a better solution.
Gene

[GN.2-6-8-0]

Yep' constanting unplugging the loco and tender is going to cause problems.
If you have to transport your engine or cannot just leave it on your layout Iv'e found the Best solution is to find a box long enough that fits both connected and leave them that way.
In my wandering's around work i found discarded microphone box's about 12'' long that were ideal.
I'm sure there are others out there that would work as well.

[Summertrainz]

naa i don't take it out constantly i just took it out today
and it wont seem to fit back in
im just nervous i broke something
or im just dumb and i cant fit the tiny pieces together

[SteamGene]

The plugs are designed to go in ONLY one way.  You MAY be trying to put the right plug in the right socket, but have it backwards.  Check both plug and socket for a small ridge and valley.  The ridge fits into the valley.  Also, with some Bachmann locomotives, the pins are horizonal for one plug and vertical for the other.  Make sure in the female plug, which way the connectors are lined up and make sure the male goes the same way.
Gene

[Summertrainz]

im sending it in for warenty
it's definetly broken...