Owners of compact hatchbacks Nissan Note are often faced with the need to gain access to the space behind the front passenger's plastic panel. This may be due to the installation of additional equipment, elimination of extraneous sounds, or repair of the ventilation system. The process of removing the glove compartment, colloquially called the glove compartment, does not require deep engineering knowledge, but has its own technical nuances, ignoring which can lead to damage to the plastic latches.
Most errors occur due to attempts to remove the structure by force, without first disconnecting the fasteners or unscrewing hidden screws. Interior design Nissan Note the first and second generations (E11 and E12) have similar assembly principles, but the location of the latches may differ. It is important to act consistently to maintain the integrity of the decorative elements of the interior.
Preparing tools and work area
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to provide a comfortable workspace and prepare the necessary tools. A standard set for working with interior plastic includes a set of screwdrivers with various attachments, as well as special plastic spatulas for prying off decorative trims. Using metal tools without protection can leave deep scratches on the dashboard or door trim.
You will need a medium sized Phillips screwdriver PH2 for unscrewing the fastening screws, as well as a flat-head screwdriver with a thin blade for carefully snapping off the fasteners. If you plan to carry out work in the dark, be sure to provide a source of directional light to see hidden attachment points. The light should fall from the side, creating shadows that highlight the joints of the panels.
Sometimes an extension or cardan is required to access certain bolts, especially if we are talking about models with a complicated air duct design. Be sure to prepare a container for small parts to avoid losing screws and retaining clips that could accidentally fly out and fall into a hard-to-reach area under the panel.
- 🛠 Phillips screwdriver PH2 and a flat blade screwdriver
- 🛡 Set of plastic spatulas for working with auto plastic
- 💡 Flashlight or work light with directional beam
- 🧤 Clean gloves to protect hands from dust and sharp edges
Stage 1: Removal of decorative plugs and trims
The first step is always to remove any visible trim that is covering the mounting holes. On the passenger side of the dashboard there are often plastic plugs that imitate aluminum or wood inserts. These elements are attached to clips and can be easily removed with careful prying. You should start on the right side, closer to the center console, where the main group of fasteners is usually located.
Use a plastic spatula to push it into the joint between the decorative trim and the main panel. Don't press too hard as the plastic Nissan Note may be fragile, especially in winter. Movements should be smooth, with a gradual increase in effort. As soon as you feel a click, it means the latch is disengaged.
After removing the plugs you will see the mounting screws. Please note that under some covers there may be not only screws, but also lighting elements or sensors. If the trim has wires going to it, do not pull it hard, but disconnect the connector first. In some trim levels Nissan Note The decorative strip runs in one piece from the pillar to the center console, which requires special care.
⚠️ Attention: When removing decorative elements, proceed slowly. Sudden jerking can cause deformation of the latches, causing the cover to rattle or not fit tightly after assembly.
If you encounter resistance, stop and inspect the element. You may have missed a hidden screw or did not release the side latch completely. Inspect the bottom edge of the trim, where additional fasteners are often located, hidden behind the dash.
Step 2: Unscrewing the main fastener
Once all the plugs are removed, the main glove box hardware becomes accessible. Typically these are three or four screws located around the perimeter of the opening. One of the screws is often located at the bottom, just below the opening, and is difficult to see without good lighting. You may need to use an extension or flexible shaft to unscrew it.
Unscrew the screws counterclockwise, controlling the force. Do not try to unscrew the screw all the way; if it is tight, it may be hitting the metal arch of the body. In such cases, it is better to turn it back slightly to understand the reason for the resistance. Use a screwdriver with a magnetic tip to prevent the screw from falling into the dashboard.
It is important to check all possible attachment points, including those that may be hidden under seals or in niches for small items. In some modifications Nissan Note There is an additional screw on the side of the center console that is closed by a removable panel. Missing even one fastener can cause the case to break when trying to remove it.
☑️ Checklist for checking fasteners
After all visible screws have been unscrewed, do not rush to pull the glove compartment towards you. Make sure there are no hidden fasteners that could be hidden under decorative trim or in service access areas. Extra effort can now cost you a whole piece of plastic.
- 🔍 Inspect the bottom of the opening for hidden screws
- 🔩 Use a magnetic screwdriver to remove fasteners safely
- 🔦 Light up hard-to-reach areas with a flashlight
- 🛑 Do not use excessive force when unscrewing rusted screws
Step 3: Disconnecting Wiring and Removing Housing
When the main fasteners are removed, the glove box body can still be held on by clips or connected to the electrical wiring. In most trim levels Nissan Note in the glove compartment area there is wiring for the lighting, the cigarette lighter (if it is located there) or the passenger presence sensor. Gently pull the box towards you to assess the degree of its mobility.
If the drawer does not budge, carefully inspect the inside of the opening. You will most likely see an electrical connector. You need to disconnect it by pressing the connector latch, and not by pulling the wires. This is a critical point, as a break in the wiring can lead to a short circuit or inoperability of the vehicle systems.
After turning off the electrics, you can completely remove the housing. Do this smoothly, turning it to the desired angle, so as not to damage the plastic pins on which the glove compartment door is attached. If the door cannot be removed separately, monitor the condition of the hinges so as not to deform them when removing the entire structure.
What should I do if the connector does not come off?
Sometimes the connector retainer gets stuck or dirty. Use a plastic spatula to carefully pry out the retainer without using metal tools.
The glove compartment should be removed with care, monitoring its position relative to the dashboard. Make sure there is nothing obstructing the free movement of the housing. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove part of the door trim or lower panel to obtain a greater angle of departure for the part.
⚠️ Attention: Before completely removing the case, be sure to disconnect all electrical connectors. An attempt to pull out the wiring together with the unit may damage the contacts and cause malfunctions in the vehicle's electronics.
Difficulties and characteristics of different generations
Construction Nissan Note the first generation (E11) has a number of differences from the second generation (E12). On early models, a simpler fastening mechanism is often found, where the screws are located only on the sides. However, on restyled versions and the second generation, additional rigidity elements and hidden fasteners are added, which complicates the dismantling process.
On models with a keyless entry system or a complex multimedia system, there may be an antenna or climate control unit in the glove compartment area. In such cases, it is recommended to study the wiring diagram of the specific modification of your car. Incorrectly disabling such units may result in errors on the dashboard.
It is also worth considering that plastic parts become more fragile with age. If your car is more than 10 years old, proceed with double caution, using special plastic lubricants before removing the latches. This will help avoid their breakage during dismantling.
- 5-10 minutes
- 15-20 minutes
- 30-40 minutes
- More than an hour
Owners of versions with all-wheel drive may encounter design features under the hood that affect the location of the air ducts going into the cabin. This may require additional dismantling of the ventilation system elements for free access to the glove compartment.
- 🚗 The first generation (E11) has a simpler mounting scheme
- 🚙 Second generation (E12) often contains hidden elements
- 🔌 Models with navigation require antennas to be turned off
- ❄️Versions with climate control may have additional air ducts
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is trying to remove the glove compartment without unscrewing all the screws. Often, owners forget about the screw hidden under a rubber plug or in a niche for small items. This leads to the fact that the plastic cracks at the attachment points, and the part has to be replaced.
Another mistake is using metal screwdrivers to pry up plastic elements. This inevitably leaves scratches that spoil the appearance of the interior. Even if you plan to paint the plastic, it's best to keep it looking factory to avoid having to repaint adjacent parts as well.
The glove compartment door latches themselves are often damaged when the housing is removed inaccurately. The door hinges are made of plastic and cannot withstand lateral loads. Always support the door with your hand when removing the body from its seat.
⚠️ Attention: Never use metal tools to pry up the plastic interior trim of your Nissan Note., as this is guaranteed to lead to scratches and deformation of decorative elements.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take risks and turn to specialists. The cost of replacing broken plastic may exceed the cost of the removal work. Remember that a serviceable interior means not only comfort, but also safety when operating a car.
Glove box mounting characteristics table
To make it easier to understand information about the types of fastening and the necessary tools, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly navigate the process of preparing to dismantle your car.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description |
|---|---|
| Fastener type | Phillips head screws PH2 |
| Number of screws | 3-4 pieces depending on the year of manufacture |
| Housing material | Impact resistant ABS plastic |
| Availability of wiring | Yes (backlight, sensors, socket) |
| Difficulty in dismantling | Low/Medium (depends on year) |
Use this table as a checklist before you begin to make sure you have everything you need. This will help you avoid stopping the process at the most inopportune moment and save your time.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove the battery before removing the glove box?
In most cases, disconnecting the battery is not required, since work is carried out only on the low-voltage wiring of the backlight or socket. However, if you plan to disconnect sensor or control unit connectors, it is recommended to remove the negative terminal for safety.
Is it difficult to remove the glove compartment on a Nissan Note with air conditioning?
The presence of an air conditioner complicates the process only slightly, since additional air ducts may be located under the glove compartment. The main thing is to carefully disconnect the air ducts, if they interfere with the removal of the case, without breaking their fastenings.
Is it possible to remove just the glove compartment door?
Yes, the door can be removed separately by unscrewing the hinge bolts. They are usually located inside the opening and are accessible after opening the drawer. However, to access them you may need to first remove part of the dashboard trim.
What to do if the screw does not come off?
If the screw is rusted or stripped, try using a penetrating lubricant (WD-40) and wait 10-15 minutes. If the head is stripped, use an extractor or carefully cut out the screw, but be prepared to replace the threaded hole.
How to check the integrity of the latches after installation?
After assembly, be sure to close and open the glove compartment several times. Check for any backlashes, creaks and cracks. If there are gaps, the latches may not be fully seated or may be warped.