IMO, You've gotten that far you should remove each terminal, clean and close up the females, or replace them so they are tight again when plugged in.
Take good pictures of the connectors prior to removal for positive reference.
If I recall the flat side of the female connector has a prong that retains it in the socket that needs to be held flat in order to remove from the socket.
The male side terminals I think need to be squeezed to remove. Careful not to twist them as they can be stubborn.
A tool that is specific to the job is best.
If any connections caused melting of the socket it will add to your removal problems.