Owners Nissan Note second generation (E12 body) are often faced with the need to access the insides of the dashboard. Whether it's installing a new multimedia device, replacing the cabin air filter, or eliminating extraneous noise, the process begins with removing the glove compartment. This operation may seem complicated due to hidden fasteners and flimsy plastic clips, but if done correctly, it does not take much time.
Some car enthusiasts try to tear out the glove compartment by force, which leads to broken hinges and cracks in the dashboard. To avoid costly repairs, it is necessary to understand the fastening design and sequence of actions. In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove glove box on Nissan Note, what tools are needed and how to avoid common mistakes during disassembly.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin disassembly, make sure you have the necessary set of tools. For working with plastic and metal fasteners Nissan Note E12 Specialized pullers work best, but as a last resort, you can use a flathead screwdriver wrapped in electrical tape or cloth to avoid scratching the decorative elements.
It is important to free up space in front of the car. Remove all unnecessary items from the glove compartment and from the area in front of the passenger seat. This will give you freedom of movement and reduce the risk of tools falling under the panel, where they will be extremely difficult to get out without completely disassembling the dashboard.
- 🔧 Plastic spatula or trim remover (required)
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver PH2 (for unscrewing screws)
- 🔧 Ratchet wrench with extension (for hard-to-reach places)
- 🔧 Flashlight (for inspecting hidden fasteners)
Be sure to disconnect the battery if you plan to disconnect the backlight electrical connectors or sensors. Although this is not always critical for simply removing a drawer, safety comes first. If you are working in the dark, use an additional light source so you can see all the latches.
⚠️ Attention: Use only plastic tools to pry off panel elements. An unprotected metal screwdriver will instantly leave deep scratches on the soft plastic of the dashboard that will be impossible to repair.
Removing the decorative trim and accessing the fasteners
Front panel design Nissan Note provides that the main part of the glove compartment fastenings is hidden under a decorative trim located directly above the glove box. This panel often has a wood or aluminum texture and is secured with hard plastic clips. Gently pry up the bottom edge with a plastic spatula.
When removing the cover, you will hear characteristic clicks - this is the latches coming out of engagement. Do not pull the panel towards you sharply, as there may be wires or additional fasteners behind it. Movements should be smooth, with slight rocking from side to side, to evenly release all fixation points.
After removing the cover you will see several screws. They need to be unscrewed to release the upper part of the structure. Please note that some bolts may be hidden under plugs, which can also be easily pryed out with a thin tool. Fasteners usually have a cross slot.
- 🔍 Inspect the trim for hidden plugs before prying it off
- 🔍 Keep all removed screws in a separate container so as not to lose
- 🔍 Place the removed pad in a safe place where it will not be scratched
- Special puller
- Screwdriver with cloth
- Knife
- I have nothing
Disconnecting electrical connectors and lighting
The most important stage is working with electrical equipment. On modern models Nissan Note E12 The glove compartment often has a backlight, and sometimes an opening sensor or a 12V socket. Before completely dismantling the box, you must carefully disconnect all the wires. Ignoring this step will result in broken wiring or damaged contacts.
Find the connector that fits the backlight bulb socket. Usually it has a tongue lock. To turn it off, you need to press this tab and pull the plug towards you. Do not pull on the wires themselves, as they may come loose from the contacts inside the plug. This is a common mistake made by beginners.
If your package includes a power outlet or additional sensors, proceed in the same way. Look around the area glove compartment on all sides so as not to miss hidden connectors. Once disconnected, check to see if there is any tension left on the wires before pulling the box.
Before disconnecting the connectors, take a photo of their location with your smartphone. This will help you quickly and correctly put everything back together if you forget which wire goes where.
⚠️ Attention: In winter, interior plastic becomes more fragile. When disconnecting connectors or removing panels, be especially careful not to break the latches, which could crack in the cold.
Dismantling the glove box itself
Now that the decorative elements have been removed, the screws have been unscrewed, and the wires have been disconnected, you can begin to remove the drawer itself. The main difficulty lies in the hinges and opening limiters. On Nissan Note they often have complex shapes requiring a specific release angle.
Open the glove compartment as wide as possible. You will need to remove the side covers or protective caps from the ends of the hinge axles. Often they are attached with clips or simply inserted into holes. Removing them will give you access to the metal axles that hold the box together.
To remove the box, you need to lift it and at the same time pull it towards you, freeing the axles from their seats in the body. Act synchronously: first release one side, then the other. If the drawer won't budge, check to see if you forgot to remove the bottom screws that sometimes secure the bottom of the drawer to the shelf.
☑️ Instructions for dismantling the box
What to do if the hinges are jammed?
If the hinge pins do not come out, try slightly rocking the box up and down while applying force to yourself. Sometimes it helps to lubricate the joints with silicone spray before removing them.
Design features and hidden nuances
Construction Nissan Note E12 has its own characteristics that are worth considering. For example, the shelf under the glove box can be rigidly bolted to the body, and should not move when the box is removed. If you are planning a replacement cabin filter, then it is often enough to simply fold back the drawer without removing it completely, but for good access it is better to remove it entirely.
Pay attention to the condition of the plastic clips. Over time, they may “get tired” and hold the panel worse. If you plan on frequent disassemblies, it makes sense to buy a set of new clips in advance. This will save time and nerves in the future. The most critical part during dismantling is the lower limit cable or clamp, which often breaks when the box is roughly opened.
Also check the condition of the shock absorbers (gas lifts), if your equipment includes them. They help keep the glove compartment open. If they are worn out, the drawer will close spontaneously, which is inconvenient for repairs. Their replacement is often carried out simultaneously with the removal of the box.
| element | Mounting type | Tool | Common problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative overlay | Plastic clips | Puller | Cracks when removed |
| Top screws | Phillips PH2 | Screwdriver | Spline failure |
| Hinge axes | Pin connection | Hands | Jamming |
| Electrical connector | Latch-tab | finger | Broken wires |
Installation and reassembly
The process of installing the glove compartment back is a mirror image of dismantling it. First, carefully insert the hinge axles into the seats on the body, making sure they go all the way in. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic of the box body.
Then connect all electrical connectors until you hear a characteristic click. Make sure the wires are not twisted or pinched between the box and the dash. After this, close the glove compartment and check the operation of the backlight without installing the decorative panels.
If the backlight works, you can return the decorative trim. Insert the clips into the holes and gently press until they click. Screw in all the screws, but do not overtighten them to avoid stripping the threads in the plastic. Check that the drawer opens and closes smoothly.
- ✅ Check the backlight operation before final assembly
- ✅ Make sure that the wires are not pinched by the case
- ✅ Tighten the screws evenly, without distortion
The correct assembly sequence is the key to the absence of squeaks and extraneous noise in the cabin after completion of the work.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove the glove compartment without first unscrewing all visible screws. Often, beginners miss the screws hidden under the plugs or in the depths of the niche, which leads to the breakage of the fasteners when trying to pull out the drawer.
Another mistake is using the wrong tools. Sharp objects can damage not only the plastic, but also the wiring behind the panel. This may cause a short circuit or failure of the vehicle's electrical systems. Always use soft pads when working with screwdrivers.
It is also worth remembering the ambient temperature. During the cold season, plastic loses its elasticity and the fasteners break much more easily. If you are making repairs in winter, it is recommended to pre-heat the car interior so that the material becomes more pliable.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a squeaking sound when opening the glove compartment after assembly, do not try to stop it by force. Disassemble the assembly and lubricate the hinges with silicone grease or wax.
Additional Maintenance Tips
After removing the glove compartment, you have an excellent opportunity to carry out preventative maintenance of the interior. Clean the internal cavity from dust and dirt that has accumulated there over the years. Wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and treat the plastic with an antistatic agent.
Check the condition of the seals and rubber gaskets. If they are dry or cracked, replacing them will improve sealing and reduce noise levels in the cabin. You can also check the condition of the fastenings of the housing itself for cracks.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the glove box mechanism will extend its service life. Lubricate the hinges and stops once a year, especially if you use this compartment frequently. This is a simple procedure that will save you money on future repairs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the glove box?
If you plan to disconnect only the backlight connector, disconnecting the battery is not necessary, but is recommended for safety. If you are working with main wiring or a 12V outlet, disconnecting the negative terminal is mandatory.
How to remove the glove compartment if it does not open completely?
If the mechanism is jammed, do not try to open it by force. Try rocking the box slightly while pressing the open button. The problem may be a worn cable or fastener that needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to replace the cabin filter without removing the glove compartment?
On Nissan Note E12 Replacing the cabin filter is possible without completely removing the box. It is enough to tilt it to the maximum angle, removing only the limit stops, but complete dismantling provides better access and ease of operation.
What to do if the plastic fastener on the panel breaks?
If the latch is broken, the panel will not hold well. It is recommended to buy a new retainer from an auto shop and replace it. A temporary solution is to use a small amount of glue or duct tape, but this is not foolproof.