Many car owners Skoda Superb second generation are faced with the need to dismantle glove box (glove compartment) for various reasons. This could be a replacement fuses, installing additional equipment, eliminating squeaks or simply deep cleaning hard-to-reach places. The process does not require a specialized car service, but requires knowledge of the design features of the interior.
Incorrect operation may result in broken plastic latches or damage to the instrument panel upholstery. Skoda Superb 2 has a specific fastening system where access to the bolts is hidden under decorative elements. It is important to act carefully and use the right tools to avoid unnecessary costs for interior restoration.
Preparing tools and workspace
Before you begin to physically impact the panel, you need to prepare a workplace and a set of tools. To dismantle the glove box, you will need the minimum arsenal that most car enthusiasts have. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, since the main fastenings are made with screws.
It is also extremely important to have a plastic card or a special key on hand for removing decorative trims. Metal tools can leave deep scratches in plastic, so only use soft bits. Check the presence of a magnetic tray for small parts so as not to lose screws in the interior.
- 🛠 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for removing self-tapping screws
- 🔧 A plastic spatula or an unnecessary bank card for prying up the clips
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hidden fasteners and bolts
- 📦 Container for storing removed fasteners
Make sure that the car is parked on a level surface and that the battery is not discharged, as sometimes it is necessary to turn on the ignition to check the functionality of the lock before removal. If you plan to remove the fuse box, be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal after completing any electrical work.
Removing the decorative trim and side plugs
The first stage of work is to remove visual elements that hide the attachment points. On Skoda Superb 2 this often raises questions, since at first glance it seems that there are no bolts at all. In fact, they are hidden under plastic plugs that imitate the structure of the panel.
Carefully inspect the right side of the glove box. There you will see a round plug that blocks access to the upper mounting bolt. Gently pry it out with a plastic spatula. Work slowly to avoid breaking the plug itself, as it can be difficult to find a replacement for.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use excessive force when removing plugs. The brittle plastics on older cars can crack if you pry them at the wrong angle or use a sharp metal tool.
After removing the plug you will have access to the screw head. A similar procedure may be required on the left side if the design of your car provides for hidden fastenings there as well. Sometimes manufacturers change the configuration depending on the model year.
Unscrewing the main fasteners
Now that the access points are open, you can move on to unscrewing the screws. Use a Phillips screwdriver with the appropriate bit. They are twisted quite tightly, so be careful not to lick the slots. This is especially true for old screws that may have oxidized over years of use.
You need to remove two main screws: one at the top (initially hidden under the plug) and one at the bottom, which is often immediately visible or also covered by the plug. After removing these elements, the glove compartment may still be supported by the guides, so do not try to pull it out suddenly.
- 🔩 Unscrew the top screw, access to which was hidden by the plug
- 🔩 Unscrew the bottom screw located deep in the niche
- 🔩 Check for additional fasteners on the sides
- 🔩 Place all screws in a safe place
Sometimes on some modifications Superb There is an additional screw hidden under a rubber plug at the bottom of the box. Inspect the inside surface before moving on to the next step. The presence of this screw is often missed by beginners, which leads to an attempt to break the plastic during dismantling.
- 2008-2010
- 2011-2013
- 2014-2015
- I don't know
Guide release mechanism
After removing all the screws, the glove compartment does not come off immediately. It is held on special guide slides that ensure smooth opening and closing. These slides have latches that need to be unlocked. To do this, you need to open the drawer all the way.
Inside the mechanism, plastic levers or latches are visible on both sides. You need to simultaneously press them and pull the box towards you. The action requires some synchronization, so it is better to ask an assistant if you do not have enough flexibility in your fingers.
⚠️ Caution: If you feel strong resistance, do not pull with force. You probably didn't fully unscrew one of the screws or didn't tighten the slide lock. Violence will cause the plastic mounting lugs to break.
One side may be tighter than the other. Try rocking the box slightly from side to side while pressing the latches. This will help free the mechanism from jamming. If the latches do not work, check to see if there is any object inside the drawer obstructing them.
☑️ Check before removal
Features of working with electricity and fuses
Often the main purpose of removing the glove compartment is to gain access to the fuse box located behind it. On Skoda Superb 2 this block is located deep in the panel, to the right of the driver. After removing the box, you will see a plastic cover with writing or symbols on it.
Before removing the fuse box cover, the electrical power must be turned off. This will prevent short circuits when removing fuses. Use the ignition key to disable the system, but do not remove the key completely if the panel illumination is required.
- 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery when working on live parts
- 🔦 Use a flashlight to find the correct fuse
- 🔧 Prepare pliers for removing fuses (usually included in the block)
- 📋 Check the fuse layout on the cover
If you're removing the glove box just for cleaning, make sure you don't damage the harness wiring that runs nearby. On some models there are connectors for lighting or alarms. Carefully move the tourniquet to the side without pulling it.
Location of main fuses
There is a diagram on the fuse box cover. Typically the cigarette lighter fuse is F18, and for power windows it is F42. The exact number depends on the configuration of your car and the year of manufacture. Always check the original diagram on the cover, as the designers may have changed the purpose.
Removing the backlight and lock
If your task involves completely dismantling the drawer along with the lock mechanism or lighting, you will have to disconnect the connectors. The backlight is connected through a small connector located on the back of the box. It is easy to see if you hold a flashlight to it.
To disconnect the connector, press the latch and pull the plug. Be careful with the wire as it is thin and may break at the base. Also on some versions there is an electronically controlled lock that has a larger connector.
⚠️ Caution: Do not pull the wires when disconnecting the connector. Always press down on the plastic latch release. Damaged wire insulation can lead to contact oxidation and backlight failure in the future.
After turning off the electrics, the box becomes completely free. Now it can be carefully removed from the cabin. Place it on a soft surface to avoid scratching the outside part that is visible to passengers.
Before removing the glove compartment, take photographs of the position of the wiring harnesses and connectors. This will help you quickly and correctly put everything back together without mixing up the connection order.
Table of typical faults and solutions
During operation or dismantling, various problems may arise. Below is a table with the most common difficulties and ways to solve them. This will help you quickly navigate if things don't go according to plan.
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The screw won't come off | Slot licked or oxidized | Use a smaller screwdriver or WD-40 |
| The glove compartment does not come out of the slide | The latch is not pressed | Press the release lever on both sides |
| The plug is broken | Fragile plastic | Replace the plug or carefully glue it with glue |
| The wiring is broken | Inaccurate shutdown | Strip the contacts and solder the wire with insulation |
| Creak after assembly | Plastic friction | Apply silicone grease to the contact areas |
Sometimes the problem lies not in the dismantling itself, but in the subsequent assembly. If you do not hear a characteristic click when installing the latches, the box may begin to wobble. Check the secure fastening after completing all work.
Correctly dismantling the glove compartment on a Skoda Superb 2 requires attention to hidden slide clamps and careful handling of plastic plugs to avoid costly interior repairs.
Reassembly and inspection process
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. First, slide the drawer into the slide rails, making sure the latches engage. You should hear a clear click from both sides. This ensures that the box does not fall out while moving.
Then tighten all the screws. Do not over-tighten them as this may strip the threads in the plastic panel. Moderate effort is enough. Return the decorative plugs to their place by gently pressing them with your fingers until they click.
- ✅ Check the smooth movement of the drawer when opening and closing
- ✅ Make sure the lights and lock are working
- ✅ Check for any extraneous sounds when driving
- ✅ Remove all tools and debris from the interior
It is important to check that nothing is blocking the movement of the box. Sometimes an accidentally left screw or tool can jam the mechanism. Test the operation several times, opening and closing the drawer at different speeds.
Common assembly errors
The most common mistake is incomplete engagement of the slide clamps. If the drawer opened on its own during a trip, it means that the latches are not properly latched. They also often forget to connect the backlight connector, which is why the light bulb does not light up. Always check for clicks during assembly.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Below are answers to the most common questions that owners have when trying to remove the glove compartment. This information will help you avoid common mistakes.
Do I need to remove the battery before use?
No, it is not necessary to disconnect the battery to mechanically remove the glove compartment. However, if you plan to remove the fuse box or work on the wiring, disconnecting the terminal is mandatory for safety.
How to remove the glove compartment if the screw cannot be unscrewed?
Try using a screwdriver with a tighter bit fit. You can drop a little penetrating lubricant (WD-40) onto the screw and wait 10-15 minutes. Do not use any impact force to avoid breaking the head.
Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without removing the plugs?
No, the plugs hide the main mounting screws. Without removing them, it is impossible to dismantle the box completely. Trying to remove the drawer without unscrewing the screws will cause the slides to break.
How long does it take to remove the glove box?
If you have experience and the right tools, the process takes 15-20 minutes. For a beginner, it may take 30-40 minutes, especially if you need to deal with hidden fasteners.
What to do if the slide lock is broken?
If the latch is broken, the glove compartment will not hold securely. You can temporarily use electrical tape or a zip tie, but it is better to order a replacement part from a specialized spare parts store Skoda.