Stuck Glove Compartment

[mit_peid]

My glove compartment is stuck and I cannot open it. Obviously it won't open if it is locked, but it won't open even if it is unlocked. I think something is blocking it. Any ideas on how to get around the problem? Help, this is where I keep & connect my iPod for my eclipse stereo (good thing it is not in there now).

Thanks,

 

[jharris2]

Any idea what might be blocking it? I just looked at mine and didn't see an obvious way in.

 

[mit_peid]

Possibly some wires, my ipod adapter, I think my owner's manual, etc. It isn't exactly empty, but definitely not so filled with junk that I expect anything to get stuck. My permit & insurance info is in there so it'd look kind of funny if I'm not able to get to it if I get pulled over for some reason.

 

[jharris2]

The only other thing that comes to mind is that maybe the latch is stuck -- happened to me once on an Oldsmobile. I presume you've already tried tugging on the handle?

 

[<<<<]

Just give it good tug, thats what dealer will do if you take it there to check. I think that something such as owners manual is seating on its edge against top shelf.

 

[mit_peid]

Not sure what I did, but a good tug was party of it. Turns out it was somehow misaligned from the last time I shut it. There wasn't anything inside the compartment getting stuck. I think you're right, the best solution is to unlatch the handle and give it a good tug open.

 

[leonard 4runner]

4 runner glove box won't open

OK here it is folks, I have a 2005 4 runner limited. I was cleaning the cabin air filter one day and as I put the glove box back into position the lock/latch would not work to open it back up. I tried everything I could think off to no avail to open it.

If you are in a similar situation, just order the latch from your preferred supplier. (specify the color) DON'T WASTE A BUNCH OF TIME FIGHTING WITH IT, IT IS BROKEN AND YOU WON"T BE ABLE TO REPAIR IT. It should cost around 30 bucks +-.

Once you get the part in you will see why you couldn't pick the latch or get it open, also you will see where the part broke in the first place. The design is such that the plastic "rod" that works the mechanism becomes very thin at the middle and will break right there. And once that happens you won't be able to repair it.

Now to the fix. Look at how the new latch connects on each side with those 2 plastic pins. With a screwdriver or something pry off the broken latch front & then you can see how to trip the mechanism open. Once you get it open then proceed to remove the 2 screws from the back and you can make it from there.

Cheers!

 

[Atlanta_man]

Good advice... wish I had seen this a few years ago. I got it open using excessive force.

Here I am now with a new glove box front and no ability to lock it (looks fine, but I did not want to spend the fortune to get the lock back in action.