Removing the glove compartment on a ŠKODA Octavia Tour: instructions with photos and tips

glove box in ŠKODA Octavia Tour - one of the most popular interior elements, which often requires dismantling for repair, cleaning or installation of additional equipment. However, its removal can cause difficulties for inexperienced car owners: hidden latches, fragile fasteners and the risk of damaging plastic parts require caution. In this article we will analyze the process step by step, taking into account the characteristics of different generations of the model (Octavia A5, A7 and restyled versions FL).

It is important to understand that the design of the glove compartment is Octavia Tour different from standard Octavia due to the extended body base. This affects the location of the fasteners and access to them. We will consider all the details, including tools, which will be needed, and we will also give recommendations for avoiding common mistakes. If you plan to install glove compartment lighting, replace the lock or simply clean it - these instructions will help you do everything right.

What tools are needed to remove the glove compartment?

Before starting work, prepare the necessary set of tools. Without them, dismantling may result in broken latches or scratches on the plastic. Here is the minimum set:

• 🔧 Flat head screwdriver (preferably with a thin tip) - for prying off plastic clips.
• 🔨 Torx T20 or T25 — for unscrewing the fastening screws (the size depends on the year of manufacture).
• 🧲 Magnetic holder - so as not to lose small parts (screws, washers).
• 🧴 Silicone grease - useful for processing the guides after cleaning.
• 📸 Smartphone — for photographing the process (useful for reassembly).

For Octavia Tour A5 (2004–2013) often required Torx key T20, whereas in A7 (2013–2020) and FL (facelift) can be used T25 or even cross-shaped screws. Check this in advance by looking at the technical documentation of your modification. If you don't have a Torx handy, you can try using screwdriver bit, but the risk of breaking the splines is higher.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal screwdrivers without insulation - they may short out the contacts of the glove compartment light (if installed) or damage the wiring of the fuse box located nearby.

Preparing the interior before dismantling

Before you begin removing the glove compartment, you need to prepare your workspace. This will avoid loss of parts and damage to the interior.

Firstly, disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal) to prevent short circuits when working with electrical wiring. Secondly, free up as much space as possible in front of the passenger seat:

• 📦 Remove all items from the glove compartment and glove compartment.
• 🪑 Move the passenger seat all the way back.
• 🚪 Close the passenger side door to prevent dust from entering while cleaning.
• 🔦 Connect a portable light or use a flashlight - the lighting in the glove compartment niche is usually insufficient.

If in your Octavia Tour installed glove compartment light, pay attention to the wiring - it can be easily damaged if dismantled carelessly. In models with climate control or heated seats Additional wiring harnesses may run under the glove compartment. It is better to secure them with masking tape so that they do not interfere.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the glove compartment on a ŠKODA Octavia Tour

The dismantling process can be divided into several stages. We will consider a universal algorithm suitable for most versions Octavia Tour, indicating features for specific generations.

Step 1: Removing the decorative trim

Start by removing the plastic trim that covers the glove compartment mounts. It is located under the opening handle and is fixed on latches. Carefully pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver on the left and right sides, then pull it towards you. Be careful - plastic is fragile, especially in frosty weather.

B Octavia Tour A7 FL The cover can be additionally attached to two screws (under Torx), which are hidden under the plugs. They must first be removed by prying them off with a screwdriver.

Step 2: Unscrewing the glove box fasteners

After removing the cover you will see 4–6 self-tapping screws (depending on modification) that hold the glove compartment. B Octavia Tour A5 usually 4 screws: two on top and two on bottom. B A7 a fifth self-tapping screw on the bottom can be added.

Use Torx T20/T25 for unscrewing. In models 2015–2020, the lower screws are sometimes hidden under plastic plugs - they must first be removed. Keep all screws in a separate container so as not to mix them up during assembly.

Step 3: Disconnecting Wiring and Damper

After removing the screws, the glove compartment is still in place two elements:

1. Electrical wiring (if there is a backlight or an electric lock). Carefully disconnect the connector by pressing the latch.
2. Damper (gas shock absorber that smoothly opens the glove compartment). It must be removed from the mounts by pulling it down.

B Octavia Tour with electronic lock (optional Comfort) wiring can be connected to the control unit. Don't pull on the wires—unlock the connector first!

⚠️ Attention: If the glove compartment damper fails, do not try to disassemble it - it cannot be repaired. It’s better to replace it with a new one (part number for Octavia A7: 5E0 857 515).

Step 4: Removing the glove compartment from the guides

After disconnecting all the fasteners, the glove compartment can be removed. Hold it by the side walls and gently pull it towards you, slightly rocking it left and right. B Octavia Tour it is attached to plastic guides, which can “stick” over time.

If the glove compartment does not budge, check:

• 🔍 Did you forget to unscrew the screw at the bottom (typical for A7 FL).
• 🔌 Is the wiring disconnected (on backlit models, it may be holding the housing).
• 🔧 Is the damper in the way (sometimes its mount gets jammed).

After removal, inspect the guides for cracks or deformations. Lubricate them if necessary silicone grease for a smooth ride.

What to do if the glove compartment is stuck?

If the glove compartment cannot be removed even after unscrewing all the screws, the reason may be deformed guides. In this case, gently push the sides of the case inward to relieve the pressure. Do not use excessive force - the plastic may burst!

Features of dismantling in different generations of Octavia Tour

Glove box design ŠKODA Octavia Tour changed depending on the generation and facelift. Below we have collected the key differences that are important to consider.

Generation	Years of manufacture	Mounting features	Type of screws	Additional nuances
Octavia Tour A5	2004–2013	4 screws (2 on top, 2 on bottom)	Torx T20	No damper in basic configurations
Octavia Tour A7	2013–2017	5 self-tapping screws (bottom center added)	Torx T25	The damper is installed on all versions
Octavia Tour A7 FL	2017–2020	6 self-tapping screws (2 hidden under plugs)	Torx T25 or cross	Glove compartment lighting included Style
Octavia Tour 4-gen	2020–present	Clips + 4 screws	Torx T20	Electronic lock in top versions

B Octavia Tour 4th generation (from 2020) the manufacturer abandoned classic self-tapping screws in favor of plastic clips, which simplifies dismantling, but requires greater care. The main thing here is not to break the latches when removing the decorative trim.

If you are working with restyled version of the A7 FL, pay attention to hidden screws under the plugs. They are easy to miss, which will lead to breakage of the guides when trying to remove the glove compartment by force.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the apparent simplicity of the process, many car owners make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or additional costs. Let's look at the most common of them.

• 🔧 Using inappropriate tools. For example, trying to unscrew the Torx with a Phillips screwdriver results in the slots being “licked off”. Always check the bit size before working.
• 💡 Ignoring wiring. A sharp tug on the glove compartment can break the wires of the backlight or opening sensor. Always unplug the connectors up to removing the housing.
• 🔩 Loss of screws. Glove compartment screws Octavia Tour have a unique length and thread. If you lose it, it will be difficult to find analogues.
• 🧊 Working in a cold salon. Plastic becomes brittle at temperatures below +10°C. If the car was parked in the cold, warm up the interior before dismantling it.

Another common problem is damage to the decorative trim latches. They break if you pry a screwdriver too close to the edge. Correct way: insert a screwdriver into 1–1.5 cm from the edge and gently press until the latch clicks.

Cleaning and maintaining the glove compartment after removal

With the glove compartment removed, you have a great opportunity to carry it out cleaning and maintenance. This is especially true if you removed it due to the mechanism sticking or squeaking.

Start with garbage collection from the glove compartment niche. Dust, small objects and even moisture (due to condensation) often accumulate there. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment and a damp cloth. Suitable for removing stubborn stains car shampoo or plastic cleaner (for example, Sonax Plastic Cleaner).

Next, inspect:

• 🔄 Guides - lubricate them silicone grease (don't use WD-40 - it will corrode the plastic!).
• 🔒 Castle - clean it of dirt and lubricate it graphite lubricant (for mechanical locks).
• 💡 Backlight — check the integrity of the wiring and contacts. Clean oxidized connectors alcohol solution.
• 🔧 Damper — if it holds the glove compartment weakly, replace it with a new one (cost ~800–1500 rubles).

If you removed the glove box to install additional equipment (for example, USB hub or wireless charging), think over the route of laying the wires in advance. B Octavia Tour conveniently pull cables along the center console, fixing them plastic ties.

Reinstalling the glove compartment: nuances and tips

Assembling the glove compartment often raises more questions than dismantling it. To avoid problems, follow these recommendations:

1. Check all fastenings. Make sure the screws are screwed into the same holes. B Octavia Tour A7 FL The bottom screws can easily be confused with the fuse box mounts.
2. Connect the wiring in advance. Connect the connectors up to final fixation of the glove compartment - this makes it more convenient to check the functionality of the backlight.
3. Adjust the damper. If the glove compartment opens too quickly or slowly, adjust the position of the shock absorber (some models have a play in the mounting).
4. Check the lock. Close and open the glove compartment several times to ensure smooth operation. If it sticks, lubricate the mechanism.

B Octavia Tour 4th generation When installing the glove compartment back, difficulties may arise. fixing the clips. To ensure they snap into place correctly, press on the top of the housing until you hear a characteristic click, then check for any play.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation the glove compartment begins to open spontaneously, the reason may be an incorrectly installed damper or skewed guides. Double-check the symmetry of the fastenings!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to remove the glove box on an Octavia Tour without a Torx?

Theoretically, yes, but with a high risk of damaging the screws. As a last resort you can use flat screwdriver with a thin sting, but this requires experience. It's better to buy an inexpensive set of Torx bits (for example, Force 61003) - it will also be useful for other work in the car.

How long does it take to remove the glove compartment?

If you have the tools and experience - 15–20 minutes. If this is your first time doing this, stock up. 40–60 minutes, taking into account the time it takes to photograph the process and carefully disconnect the wiring. B Octavia Tour A7 FL With hidden screws the process may take longer.

What to do if the glove compartment latch is broken?

Latches are sold separately (item number for Octavia A7: 5E0 857 691). They can be replaced without removing the entire glove compartment, but this will require partial dismantling of the trim. If the latch is not completely broken, it can be temporarily fixed epoxy glue (for example, Loctite).

How to remove the glove compartment if it is locked?

If the mechanical lock is stuck, try:

1. Process it WD-40 or liquid key.
2. Carefully pry off the glove compartment lid with a screwdriver to relieve the load on the lock.
3. If this does not help, remove the trim around the lock and open it manually (partial dismantling of the dashboard will be required).

B Octavia Tour with electronic lock the problem may be a faulty microswitch - you need to check it with a multimeter.

Is it possible to install the glove compartment lighting yourself?

Yes, this is one of the most popular modifications. You will need:

• 💡 LED strip (12V, 30–60 cm).
• 🔌 Power supply (if you connect it to the cigarette lighter) or wires for connecting to the standard wiring.
• 🔧 Double-sided tape or plastic clamps for fixation.

It is better to connect the backlight to side lights or interior lighting, so that it turns on with them. B Octavia Tour A7 It is convenient to take power from the passenger footwell lamp.