Bought an FD & the glovebox is dangling by the latch, which won't release. (nice little detail the previous owner left out) I've tried fiddling with the lock mechanism without luck - any suggestions? As always, thanks in advance!

 

I"d try removing the 2 hinge screws. That might give you enough movement to pull out on the bottom of the glovebox to reach up inside and remove the 2 screws that secure the "loop" that the latch mates to. Then you can at least get to it to see why it won't release. Note: the latch mechanism is actually between the inner/outer part of the glovebox cover and it doesn't come apart without cutting the inner cover. I had to cut mine because one of the screws that hold the latch in place came out so the latch wouldn't close properly. I'd be driving down the road and the glovebox would just pop open. I replaced the missing screw, siliconed them in place, and then glued the section I had to cut back in place using E3000 cement. It works great now, but I may fiberglass it just to hide the cut marks.

 

If my memories served me correct, you can use a small flat-head screw driver and stick it in the middle of the latch assembly and push the screw drover forward (the pivot of the screw driver will forces the latch backward) and that should pop open the glove box.

-AzEKnightz

 

Thanks guys & AzEknights.. I'm guessing you mean from the front/outside of the assembly, or reaching up somehow from the back/inside?

 

looking at the glovebox from the outside. There should be a small hole that you can put a screw driver and pry on it.

-AzEKnightz

 

*taking notes*

My glovebox latch handle is missing, and it won't open regardless...So I'm purchasing a new/used one off a forum member, and I'm gonna employ some of these suggestions myself.

:P

 

I just went out and looked at my 93 FD and that's not the way mine is. On mine the release is on the left side, while the latch is in the center. The only hole is for the key to lock the glovebox. There is no hole that gives access to any part of the latch mechanism.

 

according to masonholmes his latch is dangling. Means the tab for the handle latch is broken and usually behind the handle is a hole. That's where you can stick a screw driver inside. If you latch is still there, it is most likely blocking the access of that hole. Either you break the handle off the latch otherwise you can try to remove the whole glove box assembly to see if you can remove the latch assembly once the glovebox is removed.

-AzEKnightz

 

The way I read that is the glovebox cover, not the release, is dangling

 

I guess I couldve misread it. But he's saying it is stuck close no? "stuck glovebox latch" is what the title is and I would assume that's the case.

But yeah, if worst comes to worst. You you just gotta break it and replace it.

-AzEKnightz

 

I just re-read what the OP was saying. He stated "the glovebox is dangling by the latch" wouldn't that means the glove box is stuck close and just maybe the bottom screws holding the glove box in is missing and "dangling"? Iono.

Please confirm OP.

-AzEKnightz

 

Yeah, I think we need a little clarification on this. The biggest point I wastrying to get across was that the latch is impissible to get to without either seperating the inner/outer skins OR cutting the inside skin. **** poor design IMO.

 

Yeah, that's how I read it, which means the release button is intact, so the hole you refer to would not be accessible. Right? If the bottom is already loose then the 1st part of my statement is unnecessary, he should be able to reach up inside and remove the 2 screws that hold the metal "loop" that attaches to the dash and mates to the latch. Then he might be able to see why it's not releasing. My guess is the same screws thar came loose on mine are loose on his so the release rod is not engagingg the latch. Another word of caution...do NOT bend the metal loop even a little bit. If you do the latch will not work right, and it's a real butch getting it back in the right position. Ask me how I know that. :-)

 

Well now I'm confused, haha. The whole glove box is still in one piece, but dangling by the loop.. as in somebody removed and/or broke however it mounts @ the pivot point in the back in an attempt to get it open & gave up. I first noticed it because I was like damn, for a car that looks this tight, the interior sure rattles alot when ya hit the slightest bump. Then I decided to see what kinda **** was bouncing around in the glovebox & was like oh.. the whole thing's flopping around.

 

Well the pivot points @ the back don't seem to be broken, as feeling around back there I seemed to have found the little arms that the glovebox is supposed to be attached to. (but without screws/free from the base of the glovebox) From what I can tell, there's no way I can get my hands anywhere near the little loop either..

So was the instruction to break the latch handle itself/piece in the front center that's supposed to release the mechanism, so that I can access the hole AzEKnightz mentioned?

 

If you cant access that, the best bet is to break that center handle piece in the front to access the hole to release the mechanism.

-AzEKnightz

 

Damn, that sucks. I was thinking you might be able to reach up from the bottom. Other than breaking the latch I can't think of another way.

 

Can't say I've ever purposely broken something like that. Not possessing particularly strong hands, should I just wedge a screwdriver under it & pry until she gives?

 

Well I've still not got back to messing with the glovebox.. though upon mentioning the shituation to another friend, he said I should be able to simply drill the lock out & release it somehow this way. I'm guessing he's not learn-ed on FD's and/or not fully grasping the issue? (just exploring all options before I purposely start breaking **** )

 

kinda zombie bump:

where are you guys prying to release the latch? On my 1993, with the glove box latch out, I see no were for the screw driver to go? Also the metal mechanism/latch is loose and doesnt stay put anywhere...

any tips from any of you still subscribed to this thread.....