Glove box won't open

[Putzo]

My bottom glove box won't open. I am assuming the handle/latch is broken. It will still move when I pull on it, but nothing happens. My assumption is if I pry the glove box open, I can then replace the handle/latch, my only concern is that I do more damage in the process or break something else (that may be more expensive or more difficult to replace) trying to force it open.

I have quite a bit of stuff in my glove box, so I don't if maybe something in there is obstructing the glove box from opening? Either way I am thinking I will need to pry it open, but I am open to suggestions since using the "brute force" method on cars is usually a disaster.

Does anyone have any experience dealing with this?

 

[Tormach]

My bottom glove box won't open. I am assuming the handle/latch is broken. It will still move when I pull on it, but nothing happens. My assumption is if I pry the glove box open, I can then replace the handle/latch, my only concern is that I do more damage in the process or break something else (that may be more expensive or more difficult to replace) trying to force it open.

I have quite a bit of stuff in my glove box, so I don't if maybe something in there is obstructing the glove box from opening? Either way I am thinking I will need to pry it open, but I am open to suggestions since using the "brute force" method on cars is usually a disaster.

Does anyone have any experience dealing with this?

Ya, same thing happened on my pops sonic. I used my pick tools and trim removal tools and alot of light to get it open, removed the latch and zip tied it closed till I get the part and get down to him to replace.

Just take your time.

The part should be on Amazon for like $12-20.

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[Putzo]

Ya, same thing happened on my pops sonic. I used my pick tools and trim removal tools and alot of light to get it open, removed the latch and zip tied it closed till I get the part and get down to him to replace.

Just take your time.

The part should be on Amazon for like $12-20.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

How is the latch removed exactly? You were able to remove it while the glovebox was stuck shut?

 

[Tormach]

How is the latch removed exactly? You were able to remove it while the glovebox was stuck shut?

Once you get it open, just a couple screws, I had the advantage of having my sonic to look how the latch contacts. The part that broke is a flimsy plastic on the lift handle.

I'll go take a pic and upload it.

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[Tormach]

Once you get it open, just a couple screws, I had the advantage of having my sonic to look how the latch contacts. The part that broke is a flimsy plastic on the lift handle.

I'll go take a pic and upload it.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

You want to attack it from dead center above the strike that can get the latch to depress down. You can wedge it open to have access, about 1/4 to 3/8 open.

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[Camaroboi13]

My handle broke fairly early in my Sonic. I wanna say it had about 25k miles on it. Dealer fixed and replaced with no issues at all during an oil change.

 

[Putzo]

https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Aut...1555490&sr=1-6&keywords=trim+removal+tool+set

would something like the tools in that link help me to get it open?

 

[Maddog]

Shim the latch

https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Aut...1555490&sr=1-6&keywords=trim+removal+tool+set
would something like the tools in that link help me to get it open?

They may help wedge it open a little and always worth having around but I think you need to hit the latch dead center with a thin (3/8th wide) and slightly flexible smooth metal shim. Tormach is dead right with the method but if you have heavy stuff in the glove box (like a glock 9mil and spare mag or something ) then you also need to take the pressure off the latch while you do it. Like lift the box at the latch or see if you can get it to open a little with whatever is left remaining of the handle mechanism.
Once the pressure is off the latch it doesn't take much force to push the latch down. If you are worried about dash damage, maybe cut up an old credit card into a 3/8 inch wide strip and see whether that helps work it.

 

[Putzo]

They may help wedge it open a little and always worth having around but I think you need to hit the latch dead center with a thin (3/8th wide) and slightly flexible smooth metal shim. Tormach is dead right with the method but if you have heavy stuff in the glove box (like a glock 9mil and spare mag or something ) then you also need to take the pressure off the latch while you do it. Like lift the box at the latch or see if you can get it to open a little with whatever is left remaining of the handle mechanism.
Once the pressure is off the latch it doesn't take much force to push the latch down. If you are worried about dash damage, maybe cut up an old credit card into a 3/8 inch wide strip and see whether that helps work it.

Excellent suggestion. I will give that a try. I definitely think the weight of stuff in there is an issue. I have a bunch of tools in there along with napkins, paperwork, owners manual, etc.

 

[soupersonic]

Glove Box Latch is Broken

This happened to me today and after spending an hour and a half scraping my forearm until it bled and one bleeding knuckle I finally got it opened. I saw a You Tube video on how to take a side panel off to access the glove box from the side. It really really helps but it still didn't address the latch mechanism however, so I was pushing and pulling on everything on the latch with a screwdriver I bent 90 degrees and finally I pushed "DOWN" on the latch button that holds the latch to the metal locking bar inside the glove box and it released. Whew! A small flashlight and mirror inside the glove box also helps you see what you're working on. So I thought I'd post some pictures to hopefully explain things a little better. For some reason the pictures posted sideways and I don't know how to correct it but hopefully you get the idea. The side panel comes off by gently prying with a screwdriver. The pencil points to the exact spot that you need to push "DOWN" on. I included a picture of the 90 degree screwdriver I used. You can bend a nail or strong wire also but, I just happened to have this already.
Hope this helps!

 

[Putzo]

This happened to me today and after spending an hour and a half scraping my forearm until it bled and one bleeding knuckle I finally got it opened. I saw a You Tube video on how to take a side panel off to access the glove box from the side. It really really helps but it still didn't address the latch mechanism however, so I was pushing and pulling on everything on the latch with a screwdriver I bent 90 degrees and finally I pushed "DOWN" on the latch button that holds the latch to the metal locking bar inside the glove box and it released. Whew! A small flashlight and mirror inside the glove box also helps you see what you're working on. So I thought I'd post some pictures to hopefully explain things a little better. For some reason the pictures posted sideways and I don't know how to correct it but hopefully you get the idea. The side panel comes off by gently prying with a screwdriver. The pencil points to the exact spot that you need to push "DOWN" on. I included a picture of the 90 degree screwdriver I used. You can bend a nail or strong wire also but, I just happened to have this already.
Hope this helps!

I just got it open, thank you so much for this.

 

[Putzo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkntfCFWp-Q

above is a link to the video in case anyone in the future wants to see it.

 

[SuperSonic15]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkntfCFWp-Q

above is a link to the video in case anyone in the future wants to see it.

Thanks for the video/instructions. Good to know if In a jam.


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[Putzo]

Also, for future reference for anyone that stumbles upon this thread in the future. The GM part number for the glove box latch is 42389792. I ordered a black one and that was the part number, there may be other part numbers for other interior colors. I found it on amazon but you can find the part a bunch of different places, ebay, online auto retailers, etc. if you don't want to go to the dealership. The one I bought was $13.