Crossover owners Nissan Qashqai first generation, especially after restyling, are often faced with the need to gain access to space behind glove box. This may be necessary to replace the cabin filter, install additional wiring, or simply check the condition of the air conditioning system air ducts. The process seems simple at first glance, but has its own technical nuances, which the manufacturer often keeps silent about in the standard manual.
Improper removal may result in breakage of the fragile plastic latches or damage to the decorative trim. To avoid unnecessary repair costs dashboard, you need to know exactly the sequence of actions and understand the design of the fasteners. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to carefully remove the glove compartment without causing damage to the interior of your car.
Preparing tools and work area
Before you begin disassembly, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Usually a minimal kit is enough, but having the right tools will greatly speed up the process and reduce the risk of accidental scratches. The work area should be well lit so that you can see all the fasteners.
You will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ Plastic spatula for removing trim (so as not to scratch the plastic)
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for unscrewing screws
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hidden fastenings
- 🧤 Gloves to protect hands from sharp plastic edges
Be sure to disconnect the battery if you plan to work on the wiring behind the glove compartment, although this is not always critical for simple dismantling. It is important to empty the box itself of all personal items so that they do not fall into hard-to-reach places behind the panel. Pay special attention to small parts that may roll under the pedal assembly.
Panel pre-disassembly stage
On Nissan Qashqai J10 restyling, the glove compartment cannot be removed simply “on your own”. The design provides for the dismantling of the side decorative trim, which covers the upper part of the mount. Without removing this element, you will not be able to get to the main fixing screws. This is the first and most critical stage of work.
Start by opening the box lid and removing the inner container, if included. Next, take a close look at the passenger side of the dash. You need to find a trim piece that goes from the door to the center console. It is he who hides the fastening points.
Carefully pry out the plastic cover using a special spatula. Movements must be smooth so as not to break the fragile latches. It is better to start from the top edge, gradually moving down. An audible click will indicate that one of the clips has become disengaged.
After you remove the trim, you will see several screws securing glove compartment housing to the metal frame of the panel. Do not try to unscrew them until you are sure that nothing is blocking easy access. Check for hidden screws under the rubber plugs that dealers sometimes install.
Removing the side trim and unscrewing the fasteners
When the decorative panel is removed, you have full access to glove compartment fastenings. Usually there are three or four of them, located at different points to ensure structural rigidity. Use a Phillips screwdriver to carefully remove all visible screws.
Pay attention to the condition of the threads in the plastic nuts. If they are loose, during assembly it may be necessary to replace the fasteners with a more reliable one. In some cases, owners use a thread locker to prevent self-unscrewing due to vibrations.
- 🔍 Check for hidden screws in the niche under the ashtray
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom of the drawer for additional fasteners
- 🔍 Make sure all backlight or sensor connections are disconnected
☑️ Preparing to remove the glove compartment
If you're planning on installing additional wiring, such as for a dash cam or heated seats, now is the time to consider your cable routing. Use cable channels or corrugation to protect wires from chafing. This will ensure the longevity of your electrical circuit.
After unscrewing all the screws, do not rush to remove the drawer. Make sure you remember to disconnect the backlight or opening sensor wires. In restyled models Nissan Sometimes additional limit switches are installed, which can be connected to a common data bus.
Removing the opening mechanism and latches
The most difficult stage is often working with the lock mechanism and opening cable. On Nissan Qashqai this assembly attaches to the front panel of the box and connects to a button on the center console or door. It is necessary to carefully unfasten the cable from the mechanism lever.
To do this, you need to press the cable lock and pull it out of the seat. Do this carefully so as not to damage the plastic cable cage. If the mechanism is stuck, try rocking it slightly from side to side without applying excessive force.
Also check the condition of the cover return spring. If it is loose, it may cause the glove compartment to close poorly in the future. If necessary, replace the spring with a new one, choosing an analogue with the required compression force.
How does the lock mechanism work?
The mechanism is a system of levers and springs, which, when a button is pressed, rotate the latch, releasing the lid. The cable transmits force from the button to the lever.
It is important to remember or photograph the position of the cable before removal, so that during assembly there will be no problems with adjusting the stroke. Incorrect installation of the cable can result in the glove compartment not closing well or, conversely, not opening at all.
Removing the glove box housing from the panel
After disconnecting all the fasteners and mechanisms, you can begin to remove the case itself. Glove compartment housing usually has the shape of a complex parallelepiped that fits tightly into the panel cutout. You need to pull it towards you, shaking it slightly to release the guides.
Don't use brute force. If the drawer does not budge, double-check that all screws are removed and that there are no hidden fasteners. Sometimes plastic clips get stuck over time and require a little shaking. Move the box evenly over the entire area to avoid breaking the corners.
When removing, be careful not to snag any wiring or heating system ducts that may be located nearby. In restyled versions Nissan Qashqai J10 The space under the panel is quite tight, and careless actions can lead to damage.
- Replacing the cabin filter
- Installation of wiring
- Mechanism repair
- Just clean
Once the drawer is out of the grooves, it can be completely removed and stored in a safe place. You now have full access to the inside of the instrument panel. This is an excellent opportunity to carry out preventive cleaning of dust and dirt that accumulates in hard-to-reach places.
Installation and reassembly
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. First, install the glove box housing into place, making sure it fits snugly into the guides. Then attach the cable of the lock mechanism and secure it with the lock until it clicks.
Install the decorative trim, starting at the bottom edge and gradually pressing toward the top. All latches must fit into their seats. Tighten all the screws, but do not overtighten them, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic bushings.
Test the operation of the opening and closing mechanism. Make sure that the cover is fixed securely and does not rattle when the car is moving. If there is a backlight, check its functionality.
After completing assembly, it is recommended to wipe the surface of the glove compartment and instrument panel to remove fingerprints and dust. Use special wipes to care for interior plastic to give your interior a fresh look. Regular cleaning will help maintain the presentable appearance of the interior.
Common problems and their solutions
During operation, owners often encounter various problems related to the glove compartment. One of the most common is the creaking of the lid when moving. This is due to the friction of plastic on plastic or metal elements.
To eliminate squeaking, you can use special silicone-based lubricants or apply a thin layer of wax to the contact points. Also check the condition of the seals, which may become deformed and lose their properties over time.
- 🔧 Lid creaking - treat friction points with silicone lubricant
- 🔧 Poor closing - adjust cable tension or replace spring
- 🔧 Cracks in plastic - use plastic glue to repair
Sometimes the lock mechanism can jam due to small debris or dirt. In this case, blowing with compressed air and applying lubricant will help. If the problem persists, the entire lock mechanism may need to be replaced.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lid creaks | Plastic friction | Silicone lubrication |
| Doesn't close | Weak spring | Spring replacement |
| Cracks | Mechanical impact | Welding plastic |
| The light doesn't work | Lamp burned out | Replacing the lamp |
| Panel play | The screws have come loose | Fastener tightening |
If you notice cracks on the glove compartment body, they can be repaired using plastic and special glue. It is important to choose a material that is close in color and properties to the original plastic. This will restore the integrity of the structure and prevent further destruction.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals to clean plastic, as they can lead to clouding and destruction of the material structure.
Important nuances during operation
After installing the glove compartment in place, it is important to monitor its condition. Check fasteners and mechanisms regularly to avoid sudden breakdowns. This is especially true for cars with high mileage, where the plastic becomes more fragile.
Do not overload the glove compartment with heavy objects, as this may lead to deformation of the case and damage to the lock mechanism. Distribute the weight evenly and avoid placing sharp objects that could damage the interior surface.
Before starting work, be sure to take a photo of the location of all connectors and wires - this will save time during assembly and help avoid mistakes.
If you are planning to modify the interior, for example, installing additional compartments or lighting, do it as carefully as possible. Any changes must be reversible so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle or cause problems during future sale.
Remember that Nissan Qashqai is a modern car with well-thought-out ergonomics. Proper use and care of interior elements will help maintain its comfort and functionality for many years. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will prevent serious damage.
⚠️ Attention: When installing additional equipment, use high-quality connectors and insulation to avoid short circuits in the vehicle’s on-board network.
How long does it take to remove the glove box?
On average, the process of removing the glove compartment is Nissan Qashqai J10 takes from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the experience of the technician and the condition of the fastenings. If this is your first time doing this, take a little more time to familiarize yourself with the design.
Do I need to remove the battery before use?
To simply remove the glove compartment, it is not necessary to disconnect the battery. However, if you plan to work on wiring, lights, or sensors, it is recommended that you disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for safety.
Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without removing the side trim?
No, it is impossible to remove the glove compartment without first removing the side decorative trim. It is the trim that hides the main mounting screws that hold the drawer body in place.
What to do if the plastic clip of the cover is broken?
If the clip is broken, it can be replaced with a new one from a specialized auto parts store. It is also possible to use universal clips of a suitable size or temporary fixation with a self-tapping screw with a plastic washer.
How to properly adjust the lock cable?
The cable is adjusted by changing its tension. When assembling, make sure that the cable does not slack too much, but is not too tight either. The lid should open easily and lock securely.