Crossover owners Skoda Yeti Often faced with the need to access the space behind the dashboard. This may be required to install additional sound insulation, replace the cabin filter, or eliminate extraneous squeaks. The process of removing the glove box, or as it is popularly called, the glove compartment, on this model has its own characteristics that differ from other VAG cars.
Failure to do so may result in broken plastic latches or damage to the wiring to the light. To avoid wasting time and money on repairs, you must strictly follow the sequence of actions and use the right tool. In this material we will analyze in detail how to carefully dismantle the unit without the risk of damaging the carโs interior.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin disassembling the interior, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Working with plastic elements requires care, so ordinary screwdrivers can leave deep scratches on the surface. It is best to use a specialized panel removal kit, often called mounting kit.
You will definitely need a flathead screwdriver with a wide blade, wrapped in electrical tape or cloth to avoid scratching the plastic. Also prepare a Phillips screwdriver for unscrewing the screws, if they are provided for in the fastening design. Don't forget about a flashlight, as the niche behind the glove compartment is often dark and you need to see the fastenings.
- ๐ ๏ธ Set of plastic spatulas or mounting hooks
- ๐ง Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and flathead screwdriver with electrical tape
- ๐ก Flashlight for illuminating the niche behind the drawer
- ๐ฆ Bag or box for small parts and screws
The workplace must be clean and free of unnecessary items. Before starting work, it is recommended to remove the keys from the ignition and open the hood to allow ventilation if you are planning a long procedure.
Stage one: removing the decorative trim
The outer part of the glove box Skoda Yeti covered with a decorative overlay that hides the attachment points. This element often sits on latches and can be removed without the use of screwdrivers if you are careful. You need to find small technological holes along the edges of the panel where it meets the dashboard.
Insert a plastic spatula into the gap and carefully pry up the trim. It should snap open with a characteristic sound. If it is holding tightly, do not apply excessive force, otherwise the plastic will crack. Movements should be smooth, without jerking.
After removing the cover you will see the main fasteners. At this stage, it is important to inspect the inside surface of the panel for hidden screws that may not have been noticeable previously. Often the manufacturer hides self-tapping screws under decorative plugs that need to be pryed off with a sharp object.
- ๐ Inspect all panel edges for hidden screws
- โ๏ธ Use soft spatulas to pry up latches
- ๐ฉ Place removed decorative elements in a safe place.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Be extremely careful with the backlight wires that may pass through the trim if it is not disconnected. Before completely removing the element, make sure there is no tension in the wiring.
- Complete set of blades
- Screwdrivers only
- No problem, you'll have to improvise
- I donโt know yet, Iโm reading the instructions
Unscrewing fasteners
After removing the decorative trim, you will have access to the bolts and screws that hold glove box body. Usually there are three or four of them: two on top and one or two on the bottom. There may also be fasteners on the side hidden behind the door panel.
Use a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size to remove all visible screws. There is no need to unscrew them all the way if they do not have a locking mechanism, just loosen them and remove them by hand. This will prevent the loss of small parts when dismantling the box itself.
Pay special attention to the screws located at the bottom. They are often located in hard-to-reach places and can be hidden behind rubber plugs. Check that there are no fasteners left, otherwise you may break the housing or damage the wiring when trying to remove the glove compartment.
โ๏ธ Checking fasteners
Removing the glove box housing and disconnecting the wiring
Now that all the screws are unscrewed, you can begin to remove the box itself. Gently pull it towards you, but do not make sudden movements. The housing can be supported on rails or connected to the backlight wiring, which is located at the back.
Once you see a gap between the panel and the drawer, take a close look at the back. Usually there is a connector with wires that power the backlight. You need to press the connector latch and disconnect it. If you try to pull out the glove compartment along with the wires, this will lead to a break in the wiring.
Sometimes it can be difficult to disconnect the connector due to tight spaces. In this case, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the latch. After disconnecting the wiring, you can completely remove glove compartment Skoda Yeti from a niche.
- ๐ Carefully disconnect the backlight power connector
- ๐งฑ Remove the housing, holding it on both sides
- ๐ซ Do not pull on the wires when dismantling
โ ๏ธ Attention: If the connector becomes sticky or stuck, do not use brute force. Try rocking it slightly from side to side to release the latch.
What should I do if the connector does not turn off?
Sometimes the connector retainer may be broken or jammed with dirt. If this is the case, try applying light pressure on the other side or using a thin needle to press down on the latch tab. If the connector is plastic and fragile, it is better not to take risks and contact a specialist so as not to completely break it.
Design features and possible problems
Glove box design Skoda Yeti may vary slightly depending on year of manufacture and configuration. Some versions have closer mechanism, which requires more careful handling when removing. In such cases, you must ensure that the mechanism is completely unloaded before removal.
Owners often encounter a problem when plastic guides get stuck in the grooves. This occurs due to the deformation of the plastic over time or the ingress of dust and dirt. In this case, you should not press with force; it is better to use a silicone-based lubricant to facilitate the process.
It is also worth noting that in some modifications, wiring for the cigarette lighter or additional connectors is laid under the glove compartment. When removing the box, make sure you do not touch these cables, as this may cause a short circuit or cause the electronics to malfunction.
Before removing the glove compartment, take photographs of the location of the wires and connectors. This will help you quickly and correctly put everything back together without mixing up the contacts.
Reinstalling the glove compartment
The installation process is a mirror image of dismantling, but requires even more care. First, connect the wiring connector, making sure it clicks into place. Then carefully insert the case into the guides, making sure that it does not warp.
Once the box is in place, tighten all the screws. Do not over-tighten them as this may strip the threads in the plastic housing. The decorative trim should snap into place without effort if you did everything correctly.
Check the functionality of the backlight by turning on the side lights or headlights. If the light comes on, it means you have successfully completed the task. Close the door and check for any play or squeaks when closing the glove compartment.
| element | Quantity | Mounting type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative overlay | 1 piece | Plastic latches | Requires careful prying |
| Upper screws | 2 pcs. | Phillips screwdriver | Hidden under plugs |
| Bottom screws | 1-2 pcs. | Phillips screwdriver | Available after removing the cover |
| Backlight connector | 1 piece | Bayonet lock | Pressed when turned off |
Critical points during maintenance
The most important step is the correct electrical connection. If you forget to connect the connector, the backlight will not work, which will create inconvenience at night. Checking the contacts before final assembly is a prerequisite for successful repairs. This rule saves time on re-disassembling the interior.
It is also important not to lose screws and plugs. They are very small and can easily fall into hard-to-reach places behind the dashboard. Use a magnetic holder or cardboard backing to keep all the details in front of your eyes.
If you plan to install additional items such as organizers or grids, do so before final assembly. This will prevent you from having to remove the glove compartment again anytime soon.
The main task during assembly is to ensure reliable contact in the backlight connector and uniform fit of the decorative trim without gaps.
Frequently asked questions from owners
Many car owners ask similar questions about removing the glove box. Below are answers to the most common ones that will help you avoid mistakes.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the glove box?
This is usually not necessary since you are only working with the backlight circuit. However, if you plan to work on wiring deeper into the panel, disconnecting the battery is a good precaution.
What to do if the latches on the trim are broken?
You can use plastic ties or special glue for plastic. As a last resort, the cover is attached with self-tapping screws, which need to be screwed into pre-drilled holes, but this is not aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to remove the glove box?
An experienced master can do it in 10-15 minutes. For a beginner, this process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you need to find all the hidden fasteners.
Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without removing the trim?
No, the main part of the fasteners is hidden under the decorative trim. Without removing it, dismantling is impossible.
By following these simple recommendations, you can independently carry out the work of removing and installing the glove compartment on your car. This will not only save money on service visits, but will also give you a better understanding of your interior design. Skoda Yeti.