How to properly remove the glove compartment on a ŠKODA Yeti: disassembly without damage

glove box in ŠKODA Yeti - a seemingly simple element of the interior, but dismantling it can turn into a headache if you don’t know the nuances of the fastenings. Owners of this model are often faced with the need to remove the glove box (as it is called in official manuals) to access fuse box, replacing the backlight bulb or installing additional equipment. Unlike many modern cars, where the glove compartment is secured with latches, in Yeti The first generation (2009–2017) uses both plastic clips and metal bolts - and this is the key point.

In this article we will look at three main methods of dismantling (partial, complete and with access to the mounting block), we list the necessary tools and warn against common mistakes. We will pay special attention hidden fastenings under the decorative panel - they are often overlooked, which leads to breakage of plastic clips. If you plan to do electrical work (for example, changing a cigarette lighter fuse), here you will find layout diagrams and safety tips.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin disassembling, make sure you have everything you need on hand. For ŠKODA Yeti you will need a specific set of tools - universal screwdrivers may not be suitable due to non-standard screws in the interior. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Torx T20 and T25 — for screws securing the glove compartment and decorative panel.
• 🔨 Plastic puller (or a flat-head screwdriver with electrical tape on the tip) - for carefully snapping off the clips.
• 🔦 Flashlight or head light — lighting will simplify the search for hidden fasteners.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder — so as not to lose small screws in the interior.
• 📦 Container for fasteners — arrange the parts into groups (for example, “top screws”, “bottom clips”).

Important: if you remove the glove compartment to access fuse box, previously disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent a short circuit if the wires accidentally touch. Also check if there are any heavy objects in the glove compartment - they could fall and damage the plastic parts when dismantling.

⚠️ Attention: On models Yeti with heated seats or climate control, wiring harnesses run under the glove compartment. Do not force the drawer down - first make sure that all fasteners are released.

Method 1: Partial dismantling (for bulb replacement or cleaning)

If you only need to replace light bulb or clean the inside of the glove compartment; complete dismantling is not necessary. Simply detach the bottom of the drawer, leaving the top fastenings intact. This method takes no more than 10 minutes and does not require removing the decorative panel.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Open the glove compartment and remove all contents.
2. Press the sides of the drawer closer to the bottom edge - you will hear the clicks of the clips snapping away.
3. Lower the bottom of the glove compartment down, do not pull it towards you (risk of breaking the guides!).
4. To replace the light bulb, disconnect the power connector (located on the left) and remove the socket.

Tip: light bulb in Yeti has a plinth W5W (analogue T10). When buying a new one, check its power - it should not exceed 5 W, otherwise the plastic around it may melt.

Method 2: Completely dismantling the glove compartment (step-by-step instructions)

To completely remove the glove box, you will need to remove all fasteners, including the hidden screws under the trim panel. This method is necessary if you plan to:

• 🔧 Install an additional organizer or safe-box.
• 🔌 Connect USB hub or a 12V socket in the glove compartment.
• 🛠️ Repair the lock or hinge mechanism.

Sequence of work:

The most difficult stage is removing the decorative trim under the glove compartment. It is attached to two plastic clips that are easy to break. To avoid this, use a plastic puller: insert it into the gap between the trim and the dashboard, then carefully pry it up. T20 Torx screws are located symmetrically on both sides - two on each side edge of the glove compartment.

Stage	Tool	Time	Common mistakes
Removing the decorative panel	Plastic puller	3–5 minutes	Breakage of clips when using a metal screwdriver
Unscrewing the side screws	Torx T20	5 minutes	Lost screws in the interior (use a magnet!)
Detaching the bottom clips	Hands (gently pressing)	2 minutes	A sharp pull down means the risk of breaking the guides
Removing the glove compartment from the guides	—	1 minute	Skew when removing (pull evenly!)

⚠️ Attention: On models Yeti with the system Kessy (keyless entry) an antenna module is installed under the glove compartment. Do not place metal tools on it - this may disrupt the operation of the system!

Method 3: Dismantling to access the fuse box

Fuse box in ŠKODA Yeti located behind the glove compartment, but to get to it, it is not enough to simply remove the glove box. Additional disconnection required decorative cover of the mounting block, which is secured with three T25 Torx screws.

Procedure:

1. Remove the glove compartment according to the instructions in Method 2.
2. Remove the three T25 screws on the fuse box cover (two on top, one on bottom).
3. Carefully remove the cover by pulling it towards you - it is held on by two plastic latches.
4. To remove the fuse, use special tweezers (usually attached to the inside of the cover).

Important: before replacing the fuse, check its rating according to the diagram printed on the back of the unit cover. For example, the cigarette lighter fuse (F38) has a face value 20A - installing a more powerful one can lead to a fire in the wiring.

Fuse box diagram for ŠKODA Yeti (2012 onwards)

The cover of the mounting block contains the current diagram for your modification. If the inscriptions are erased, download the PDF instructions for your VIN on the website ŠKODA Original (section "Technical documentation").

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with careful dismantling, the owners Yeti encounter difficulties. Here are the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

• 🔧 Broken clip - if the plastic retainer is cracked, replace it with a new one (part number 1J0 853 231 for Yeti). Temporary solution: fix with superglue, but this is unreliable.
• 🔌 Backlight does not work after assembly — check the connection of the connector (it should click) and the integrity of the light bulb. Often the problem is oxidized contacts - clean them with an eraser.
• 🛠️ The glove compartment does not lock in the closed position — inspect the lock mechanism. The spring may have come off or the locking tab is bent (repaired with tweezers).
• 🔋 After replacing the fuse, the equipment does not work - Make sure the fuse is of the correct rating. If the problem persists, check the relay (eg J317 responsible for the cigarette lighter).

If the glove box after assembly creaks or is difficult to open, lubricate the guides with silicone grease (do not use WD-40 - it attracts dust). To adjust the movement of the drawer, tighten the hinge screws (they are accessible after complete dismantling).

Modifications and tuning of the glove compartment

Removing the glove compartment opens up opportunities for upgrading the interior. Here are some popular modifications among owners ŠKODA Yeti:

• 💡 LED backlight — replacing the standard light bulb with an LED strip with adjustable brightness (for example, Osram LEDriving).
• 🔌 Additional 12V/USB socket — installed in the lower part of the glove compartment with wiring exiting through a technological hole.
• 🔒 Electronic lock - to protect content (for example, SafeBox from Hella).
• 📱 Wireless charging — mounted in the glove compartment (requires connection to the on-board network).

When installing additional equipment, consider the load on the electrical network. For example, if you connect an outlet, use a relay (12V 30A) and fuse (15A) to avoid overheating of the wiring. For LED lighting, just connect to the standard wire of the glove compartment light (plus - red, minus - black).

Before drilling holes for sockets or charging check the thickness of the plastic — in some areas of the glove compartment it does not exceed 2–3 mm. Use a wood bit (25mm diameter for USB socket) and sand the edges.

How-to videos and additional resources

For clarity, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video guides on dismantling the glove compartment on ŠKODA Yeti. Below are verified sources with step-by-step instructions:

• 🎥 YouTube channel "ŠKODA Yeti Club" — video demonstrating how to remove the glove compartment on the 2013 model (link).
• 📄 Official manual ŠKODA — section "Interior → Glove Compartment" (available by VIN on the website ErWin).
• 🤝 Owner forums - on Drive2.ru and Club-Yeti.ru there are topics with photo reports on disassembly (search by hashtag #gloveboxYeti).

If you plan to work with wiring, download wiring diagram for your modification Yeti. On models with Maxi-DOT or Amundsen Fuse locations may vary. For example, fuse F42 (10A) is responsible for illuminating the glove compartment in trim levels with climate control.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the glove compartment

❓ How many clips does the glove compartment hold in the 2015 ŠKODA Yeti?

On the 2015 model, the glove box is mounted on 4 plastic clips (bottom) and 4 Torx T20 screws (side walls). Additionally, there are two guides at the top, which are often confused with fasteners.

❓ Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without disconnecting the battery?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. When working with a fuse box, the risk of a short circuit is high - it is enough to accidentally touch the positive contact with a metal tool. If you are removing the glove compartment only for cleaning, you don't have to disconnect the battery.

❓ Which fuse controls the cigarette lighter in the Yeti?

In most modifications this is a fuse F38 face value 20A. On models with two cigarette lighters (front and rear), the rear one is protected by a fuse F40 (15A). See the exact diagram on the cover of the mounting block.

❓ What should I do if the glove compartment does not close after assembly?

The reasons may be the following:

1. The guides are skewed - loosen the side screws and adjust the position.
2. The lock latch is bent - carefully bend it with pliers.
3. The wiring is in the way - check to see if the wires have gotten under the glove compartment.

❓ Where can I buy spare clips for the glove box?

Original clips can be ordered from your dealer (article number 1J0 853 231 for the upper ones, 1J0 853 232 for the lower ones). Analogues: Febi (22286) or Meyle (100 422 0002). Cost - from 50 to 150 rubles per piece.