The need to dismantle the storage compartment on a car Nissan Qashqai the first generation (J10) occurs among owners for various reasons. Some seek to eliminate the annoying squeak that appears over time due to wear and tear of the fasteners, while others plan to install additional lighting or speaker systems in the instrument panel. The process looks complicated only at first glance, since the engineers of the Japanese brand have provided for certain fastening nuances that are not obvious upon a quick inspection.
For successful operation, it is important to understand the design of the front panel and the location of the hidden latches. Incorrect actions can lead to damage to the plastic latches or deformation of the cover itself, so you must act consistently and carefully. In this article we will analyze each stage of removal, starting with the preparation of tools and ending with the final check of the fastening points.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before starting any manipulations with the interior of the cabin, it is necessary to provide a comfortable workplace and prepare the necessary arsenal of tools. The quality of the plastic is Nissan Qashqai J10 quite fragile, especially if the car is more than ten years old, so the use of rough tools is unacceptable. You'll need plastic trim scrapers, a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver, and possibly a socket set.
Also prepare a good light source, since in the depths of the niche and under the instrument panel there are often hard-to-reach screws that are poorly illuminated by standard lamps. If you plan to not only remove the box, but also install additional equipment, take care of the wires and electrical tape in advance.
- 🛠 Plastic spatula (best with a soft coating so as not to scratch the dashboard)
- 🔩 Phillips screwdriver (PH2 or PH3, depending on the condition of the screws)
- 🔦 Powerful flashlight or headlamp to illuminate hidden areas
- 🧤 Clean gloves so as not to leave greasy marks on the panel
It is important to clear the space in front of the driver and passenger of unnecessary objects. Remove all items from the center console and floor so that they do not interfere with work or fall into difficult to remove cracks.
Removing the bottom panel under the glove compartment
The first stage of dismantling is to remove the decorative trim located directly under the glove box lid. This panel covers the lower mounting points and is often the source of extraneous noise when driving on uneven roads. It is held on by several plastic clips and one or two screws, which can be hidden under plugs.
Insert a plastic spatula into the gap between the bottom panel and the main body of the dashboard. Gently press down on the clips, being careful not to apply excessive force so as not to break the fastening ears. Once the latches are disengaged, the panel will easily come away from the body.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to remove the panel by simply pulling it towards you without first snapping the clips. This is almost guaranteed to lead to cracks in the plastic, which will then have to be welded or glued.
After removing the decorative trim, you will see the fasteners holding the glove compartment mechanism itself. Inspect the area for hidden screws that might be hidden under rubber plugs or decorative inserts.
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom edge of the panel for visible screws
- 🔧 Check for plugs at the ends of the panel
- 🧹 Put the removed panel in a safe place so that it does not get scratched
Disabling electrical wiring and lighting
On most trim levels Nissan Qashqai There is a backlight installed in the glove compartment, which is powered from the vehicle’s on-board network. Before completely removing the box, you must disconnect the electrical connector, otherwise you may damage the wiring or burn out the light bulb if you jerk it sharply. The connector is usually located at the top of the niche or on the side, closer to the lid hinges.
Remove the wiring from the grooves if it is secured there with plastic clamps. Gently press the connector lock and disconnect it from the lamp socket. If you plan to simply remove the box for repairs rather than install new hardware, the wires can be left hanging, but it is better to carefully lay them out of the way so that they do not interfere with the removal of the mechanism.
Before disconnecting the connector, take a photo of its location and the color of the wires. This will help avoid confusion during assembly if you decide to install additional devices in the future.
In some cases, the light bulb may be built into the box body rather than the dash panel. In such a situation, the shutdown occurs directly on the cover body after it is opened. Check both options to make sure the electrical circuit is open.
- 💡 Find the backlight power connector
- 🔌 Press the latch and disconnect the block
- 📸 Take a photo of the connection for easy reassembly
Unscrewing fasteners
The next step is to physically detach the glove box body from the car body. On Nissan Qashqai J10 a combination of screws and bolts located around the perimeter of the niche is used. Typically, the screws are located in the lower part, after removing the decorative panel, and also in the upper part, covering the lid hinges.
Use a Phillips screwdriver or socket head to remove all visible fasteners. Please note that some screws may be hidden under decorative plugs that imitate the panel's plastic. Carefully pry them off with a spatula and remove them.
☑️ Checking fasteners
After removing all the screws, do not try to pull the drawer out immediately. Make sure there are no snags left. Sometimes one of the bolts may be hidden behind the closer mechanism or in a hard-to-reach place on the side.
| Screw location | Fastener type | Tool | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom of the niche | Phillips screw | Screwdriver PH2 | Only accessible after removing the cover |
| Upper part (hinges) | Head bolt | 8 or 10 head | Often hidden under a decorative cover |
| Side wall | Hex screw | Torx T20 cue ball | Available in some configurations |
| Drawer lid | Plastic clips | Manual dismantling | Requires careful snapping |
Removing the glove compartment housing
Once all the fasteners are removed and the wiring is disconnected, you can begin to remove the box itself. The housing is usually supported on guides or simply inserted into the opening with a slight interference fit. Grasp the bottom of the drawer and gently pull it towards you while rocking it from side to side to release the slides.
Pay special attention to the closer mechanism or the cover shock absorber, if it is included in your package. Sometimes this mechanism is attached separately and can interfere with the complete removal of the case. In this case, you will need to unscrew its fastening or gently compress the spring to release the engagement.
What to do if the box doesn't come out?
If a drawer is stuck, check to see if there are any hidden screws. Often one screw is located behind the lid locking mechanism or deep in a niche, hidden by wiring. Also check whether the closer mechanism is caught on the body.
Don't use force. If the drawer does not budge, return to checking the fasteners. Damage to the plastic of the dashboard when attempting rough dismantling is a common mistake for beginners. The glove box housing on the Nissan Qashqai J10 has fragile guides that can break with a sharp jerk, which will lead to play in the box after installation back.
- 📦 Gently pull the drawer towards you
- 🔄 Rock the body to release the guides
- 🔧 Check if the closer mechanism is in the way
Repair and maintenance of a removed unit
After removing the glove compartment, access to its interior and fastening mechanisms opens. This is the ideal time to eliminate squeaks that often bother owners. Squeaking is usually caused by plastic rubbing against plastic or hinges wearing out. Apply silicone lubricant or plastic-specific products to the hinges and contact points.
You can also replace the backlight bulb with a brighter LED module if the standard light is too dim. Check the condition of the closer spring: if it has lost its elasticity, the drawer will not close well. In some cases, it is advisable to install additional seals around the perimeter of the box.
Regular lubrication of hinges and friction points significantly extends the life of the glove compartment mechanism and eliminates annoying squeaks in the cabin.
If you are planning to install additional acoustics or a DVR in the panel, you now have free access to wiring and installation space. Route the cables carefully so that they do not get caught in the lid opening mechanisms.
Reinstalling the glove compartment
The installation process is performed in reverse order. First, carefully insert the housing into the niche, aligning the guides with the mounting points. Make sure the closer mechanism (if equipped) is in place. Do not press too hard to avoid breaking the guides.
Then secure all screws and bolts. Don't tighten them all the way down all at once, first tighten all the fasteners by hand to level the housing and then tighten them with a screwdriver. Check the operation of the lid opening and closing mechanism. If the lid sticks, the case may not be level.
Connect the backlight power connector. Make sure the light comes on when you open the drawer. If you installed additional devices, check their functionality. Finally, install the decorative bottom panel and snap its clips until it clicks.
- Never
- Once a year
- Once every six months
- For every breakdown
Frequently asked questions and answers
Do I need to remove the steering wheel to remove the glove compartment?
No, you do not need to remove the steering wheel. All work is performed in the passenger seat area and fasteners are accessed by opening the cover and removing the lower panel.
Is it possible to remove the glove box without removing the bottom panel?
No, the bottom decorative panel covers the main mounting screws. Without removing it, you will not be able to unscrew the glove compartment, since you will not have access to the lower mounting point of the housing.
What should I do if the plastic clip breaks when removing the panel?
If the clip is broken, the panel may not hold tightly. You can purchase a new clip from a car dealership or temporarily secure the panel with plastic ties or glue, although this is not the most aesthetic option.
How to eliminate creaking hinges after installation?
After installation, apply a special silicone grease or plastic spray to the hinge rotation axis. Avoid using lithol or grease, as they can stain the plastic and attract dust.
Is it difficult to install lighting in a removed glove compartment?
This is not a difficult task. It is enough to lay the LED strip around the perimeter of the inside of the box and connect it to the socket of a standard lamp or to the cigarette lighter using a fuse.