an improved electrical connector assembly having deflectable retaining fingers for mating with a corresponding connector assembly . each assembly has at least one electrical terminal housed inside a hollow body adapted to enclose and support the terminal . the body has a separate passage intersecting the cavity in which the terminal resides . in addition , the hollow body has at least one wall section having a deflectable finger engaging and retaining the terminal within the cavity . a removable terminal retainer member is inserted into the passage to a position in which the member is in an interference relation with a portion of the terminal to retain the terminal within the cavity . the terminal retainer also has a wedge leg that , when inserted against the wall section , retains the deflectable finger in engagement with the terminal .