Car owners Skoda Rapid In 2014, the issue is often faced with the need to access the inner cavities of the instrument panel. The reasons can be different: from the installation of additional sound insulation to the replacement of the light bulb or the installation of new equipment.
The procedure for removing the box, popularly called the glove compartment, has its own design features characteristic of the MQB A0 platform, on which this model is based. Incorrect actions can lead to breakage of plastic latches or damage to the decorative finish.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to carefully dismantle the elements of the cabin, without resorting to the services of a car service. Youβll need a minimum of tools and patience, as the plastic in this yearβs cars can be quite brittle due to the natural aging of the materials.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before proceeding to the physical impact on the elements of the interior, you need to ensure comfortable working conditions. In the tight space of the cabin, it is easy to scratch the dashboard or damage the skin of the door cards, if you do not observe accuracy.
You will need a set of screwdrivers, including flat nozzles of different thicknesses. Plastic cards are ideal for dismantling the skin, but if they are not, you can use a thin flat screwdriver, pre-winding it with a tape or fabric.
Also, be sure to prepare gloves. They will protect your hands from the sharp edges of the metal inside the panel and prevent the appearance of fat spots on the light plastic of the cabin, which is especially important for dark compartments.
Don't forget to release yourself. glove compartment from all foreign objects. Remove documents, maps, trifle and any tools that may fall out and roll into hard-to-reach areas of the dashboard. This is critical for safety and time preservation.
Removing the glove box cover
The first stage of work is to dismantle the moving part of the assembly - the cover itself. This is necessary to access the fasteners that hold the housing in place. The process begins with opening storage compartment.
You need to carefully inspect the lid securing mechanism. On both sides of the rotation axis there are plastic hinges, which often have hidden latches. Do not try to simply pull the cover out by force, this will cause the axle to break.
To remove the cover you must:
- π§ Bend the plastic clips from the inside of the hinge.
- π§ Gently press on the fastening axle to remove it from the seat.
- π§ Repeat the procedure on the opposite side and remove the cover.
Sometimes the fasteners can be stuck or too tight. In this case, use a flathead screwdriver to slightly pry the retaining ring, but do so very carefully so as not to damage the chrome or plastic.
- Dark plastic
- Light plastic
- Combined
- Leather
Removing the glove box body
Once the cover is removed, access to the main body is revealed. glove compartment. It attaches to the center console and side pillar with a few screws and hidden latches. It is at this stage that maximum precision is required.
Open the hood of the car, as some of the mounting bolts may be located in the recess under the hood, although on the 2014 model the main latches are located inside the passenger compartment. Inspect the sides of the compartment for screws under the bezel caps.
Locate the mounting screws. There are usually two or three of them: one on top, one on the bottom and one on the side. Use the correct size Phillips screwdriver to unscrew them completely. Do not place the fastener on the floor of the car to avoid losing it.
When all the screws are removed, the case is held in place only by plastic clips. You need to gently pull the body towards you, applying force evenly. If it does not budge, check whether there are hidden screws, for example behind the rubber seal.
βοΈ Check before removing the housing
It is important to understand that the plastic of the instrument panel has a certain elasticity, but it is limited. Sudden jerking can cause cracks in the dash, which will require extensive sanding and painting to repair.
Disconnecting electrical connectors
If your car is equipped with additional equipment, such as lighting or a presence sensor, the housing can be connected to the on-board network. Before complete removal, all electrical connectors must be disconnected.
Locate the wiring harness that goes to the backlight. It is usually located at the top or bottom of the compartment. Press the connector latch and gently pull it to the side to separate the contacts. Do not pull on the wire itself, as this may damage the integrity of the insulation.
In some trim levels Skoda Rapid 2014 may not have electrical wiring in the glove compartment, but check for wires just in case. A wire left energized during dismantling may short-circuit and cause fuses to trip.
If the connector is stuck, try rocking it from side to side while lightly pressing on the latch. Sometimes it helps to use a plastic card to press the latch if it is too tight.
What should I do if the connector does not come off?
If the retainer is broken, you can carefully bite it off with wire cutters, but it is better to use a special tool for removing connectors to avoid damaging the contacts.
It is better to immediately secure the disconnected wires with tape or tape so that they do not dangle and interfere with further assembly or installation of new equipment.
Common mistakes during dismantling
Many beginners make the mistake of trying to remove the glove compartment without first removing the lower decorative panel. This could cause you to damage the mounting pins that hold the lower dash assembly in place.
Another common mistake is using metal tools without protection. The metal leaves deep scratches on the plastic that cannot be removed without completely repainting the part. Always use plastic spatulas or wrapped screwdrivers.
Also, do not ignore the condition of the clips. If you see that the fasteners are already worn out or broken, it is better to immediately prepare new ones. Reusing old latches often causes the glove compartment to rattle when driving.
Be aware that you may encounter resistance from the air conditioner ducts when removing the housing. Make sure they are not caught on the glove box body before removing it completely.
Before starting work, take a photograph of the location of all wires and fasteners with your phone. This will help you put all the elements back together correctly without errors.
Tools and Supplies
To carry out quality work, you will need not only a standard set, but also some specific consumables. Below is a table with the necessary tools and their purpose.
| Tool/Material | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead screwdriver (thin) | Prying up latches and plugs | 1 piece |
| Phillips screwdriver PH2 | Unscrewing the fastening screws | 1 piece |
| Plastic card or spatula | Safe release of clips | 2 pcs. |
| New fastening clips | Replacing broken fasteners | 4-6 pcs. |
| Electrical tape or tape | Fixing disconnected wires | 1 roll |
The presence of spare clips is critically important, since when dismantling old ones they are often destroyed. Without the new clips, you will not be able to securely secure the glove box when reassembling it.
β οΈ Attention: Use only soft tools when working on interior decorative elements. Hard metal can permanently damage the texture of plastic, especially if it is matte.
If you plan to install additional equipment, such as a USB hub or fan, it is better to prepare all the wires in advance so as not to have to worry about pulling them after installing the case back.
Design features of Skoda Rapid 2014
The 2014 model has its own nuances in fastening panel elements. Unlike later restyled versions, a specific latch geometry can be used here, which requires more precise action.
It is important to note that on some models there may be a fuse or relay box located under the glove compartment. Use extreme caution when working in this area to avoid damaging electronic components.
It is also worth considering that the plastic of the panel may be more fragile due to temperature changes if the car was operated in harsh climatic conditions. In such cases, dismantling requires even greater delicacy.
Make sure you understand the mounting pattern. On Skoda Rapid Often combined methods are used: screws in combination with spring clamps. Incorrect retrieval of one element can block the entire node.
The correct sequence of actions and the use of plastic tools is the key to successful dismantling without damaging the interior.
If you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging expensive interior elements, it is better to turn to professionals. However, by following these instructions, you can do the job yourself and save money.
β οΈ Warning: Before starting any electrical work, make sure the vehicle's ignition is completely turned off to avoid short circuits.
Frequently asked questions from users
Do I need to disconnect the battery before removing the glove box?
In most cases, disconnecting the battery is not required, since the work is carried out on passive interior elements. However, if you plan to connect new devices to the electrical system, disconnecting the negative terminal will be a safe solution.
Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without removing the dashboard?
Yes, design Skoda Rapid allows you to remove the glove compartment separately from the main instrument panel. Complete disassembly of the dashboard is only necessary in rare cases, for example, when replacing the entire air conditioning unit.
What to do if the plastic latch breaks?
If the latch is broken, do not try to fix it with tape or glue, this is not reliable. It is best to purchase a new clip from a car dealership or a dismantling shop and replace it before putting the glove compartment back.
Is it difficult to put the glove compartment back?
The reassembly process is similar to disassembly, but in reverse order. The main thing is to make sure that all the wires are connected and not twisted, and that the clips are in place until they click.