ugh, stupid problem (glovebox stuck shut)
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
ugh, stupid problem (glovebox stuck shut)
So I pop out the old cabin filters, put the new ones in.
i put the cable back on the latch mechanism properly and seat it without issue.
I'm thinking all is well.
So I put it all back together, shut the glove box, and what do you know, it won't open again.
It's always been a bit of a fight to get this thing open (had to push the button several times, wiggle the box lid, etc. Real pain in the *********.
Now however it seems that no amount of messing with it will cause it to open.
So color me confused. the cable is in properly, and I don't see what could cause the problem aside from a broken button (part 90 in the epc diagram) or somehow the lid is not adjusted properly (I'm pretty sure thats what those plastic screw type things (with rubber surrounds) are on the side of the glovebox.
So the question is, am I going to have to pull the center vents out and go in that way, or is there another option that might be easier (I think removing the nav unit would probably work the best.
thanks for any help you can provide.
worst case, I'll take it to the dealer, but who knows what they'll come up with.
i put the cable back on the latch mechanism properly and seat it without issue.
I'm thinking all is well.
So I put it all back together, shut the glove box, and what do you know, it won't open again.
It's always been a bit of a fight to get this thing open (had to push the button several times, wiggle the box lid, etc. Real pain in the *********.
Now however it seems that no amount of messing with it will cause it to open.
So color me confused. the cable is in properly, and I don't see what could cause the problem aside from a broken button (part 90 in the epc diagram) or somehow the lid is not adjusted properly (I'm pretty sure thats what those plastic screw type things (with rubber surrounds) are on the side of the glovebox.
So the question is, am I going to have to pull the center vents out and go in that way, or is there another option that might be easier (I think removing the nav unit would probably work the best.
thanks for any help you can provide.
worst case, I'll take it to the dealer, but who knows what they'll come up with.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: Midwest USA
2004 S500 & 2011 Mini JCW
Had the same problem last summer, my car was still under warrenty. So I took it to the dealer and they said they adjusted the cable. They made it sound like it was an easy fix but I don't know how or how long. Works like a charm now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
So I pop out the old cabin filters, put the new ones in.
i put the cable back on the latch mechanism properly and seat it without issue.
I'm thinking all is well.
So I put it all back together, shut the glove box, and what do you know, it won't open again.
It's always been a bit of a fight to get this thing open (had to push the button several times, wiggle the box lid, etc. Real pain in the *********.
Now however it seems that no amount of messing with it will cause it to open.
So color me confused. the cable is in properly, and I don't see what could cause the problem aside from a broken button (part 90 in the epc diagram) or somehow the lid is not adjusted properly (I'm pretty sure thats what those plastic screw type things (with rubber surrounds) are on the side of the glovebox.
So the question is, am I going to have to pull the center vents out and go in that way, or is there another option that might be easier (I think removing the nav unit would probably work the best.
thanks for any help you can provide.
worst case, I'll take it to the dealer, but who knows what they'll come up with.
i put the cable back on the latch mechanism properly and seat it without issue.
I'm thinking all is well.
So I put it all back together, shut the glove box, and what do you know, it won't open again.
It's always been a bit of a fight to get this thing open (had to push the button several times, wiggle the box lid, etc. Real pain in the *********.
Now however it seems that no amount of messing with it will cause it to open.
So color me confused. the cable is in properly, and I don't see what could cause the problem aside from a broken button (part 90 in the epc diagram) or somehow the lid is not adjusted properly (I'm pretty sure thats what those plastic screw type things (with rubber surrounds) are on the side of the glovebox.
So the question is, am I going to have to pull the center vents out and go in that way, or is there another option that might be easier (I think removing the nav unit would probably work the best.
thanks for any help you can provide.
worst case, I'll take it to the dealer, but who knows what they'll come up with.
I also had to push the button several times to open my glove box door so when I finally got it opened this time,
I took out the four screws in the front bottom and the front top of the glove box. Yours may have the plastic covers on them, just pop off the covers and you will see the phillips head screws.
Once I removed the screws, I wiggled the glove box assy out of the dash.
I notice with the assy in my lap the door worked fine but when I placed it back into position it did not.
There is a white thumbscrew at the end of the cable where the cable attaches to the door latch.
I turned this latch 1/4 turn or so pulling the cable further away from the latch just a little gave it try and PRESTO. when I put it back into position, that small adjustment was enough to do the trick.
Once I reinstalled the glovebox assembly, I also adjusted the door stops which are the two phillips head screws with the rubber grommets on them at the ends of the dor opening. These allow the door to close firm and takes up the play when it shuts. Since the door latch and all of these part are plastic I'd be careful not to have too much tension on the door stops as they will eventually stress the plastic lock. A little movement after the door latches is okay.
This is for those who may encounter this problem in the future.
Nothing is more embarrassing than a cop asking you for proof of insurance and your glove box door won't open..LOL
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
The thumbscrew adjusts the other way also. OR your issue may be the latch assy itself. it is also adustable about 4mm. Also check your door stops they may be too far out for the latch to catch.
