glove box in Ε koda Octavia A5 (2004β2013) - a seemingly simple detail, but dismantling it can turn into a real puzzle if you donβt know the key nuances. Owners often find it necessary to remove this panel when installing additional equipment (for example, subwoofer or climate control unit), stove repair or replacement of backlight lamps. However, standard instructions from manuals are silent about pitfalls: hidden latches, fragile plastic clips and fastening features depending on the configuration.
In this article you will find step-by-step algorithm with photos, list of necessary tools and unique tips for working with plastic Octavia A5, which cannot be found in the official documentation. We will also look at common mistakes that cause clips to break and show you how to avoid damaging your dashboard. If you plan to work with electrical equipment (for example, connecting USB hub or heated seats), here you will learn how to avoid touching the wires behind the glove compartment.
Preparation: Tools and Safety Precautions
Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need on hand. Octavia A5 is known for its "brittle" plastic, so the wrong tool can leave marks or break the clamps. Here's what you'll need:
- π§ Plastic puller (or a panel removal kit) is required so as not to scratch the dashboard. Use metal screwdrivers highly not recommended.
- π© T20/T25 Phillips screwdriver β for the glove compartment mounting screws (the size depends on the year of manufacture).
- πΈ Phone with flashlight - to illuminate the hidden latches at the bottom.
- 𧲠Magnetic holder - will help you avoid losing small screws and clips.
- 𧀠Thin gloves β will protect your hands from sharp plastic edges and prevent slipping.
Important: if your Octavia A5 equipped heated seats or climate control, there may be additional wires running behind the glove compartment. Disconnect the negative battery terminal 10 minutes before starting work to avoid short circuit. Also prepare marker and electrical tape for marking connectors - this will save time during reassembly.
β οΈ Attention: On models with automatic transmission (DSG) the control unit may be located under the glove compartment Mechatronic. Do not pull the panel down sharply - first check for additional fasteners!
- Newbie - first time removing panel
- Amateur - did this 1-2 times
- Experienced - I repair my car myself
- Professional - I work in a car service center
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the glove compartment on an Octavia A5
The dismantling process takes from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the configuration. Follow the algorithm strictly in order so as not to miss hidden fasteners.
Step 1: Removing the bottom cover (if equipped)
On some versions Octavia A5 (for example, Ambition or Elegance) a decorative plastic cover is installed under the glove compartment. To remove it:
- Carefully pry off the lid plastic puller on the left side (driver's side).
- Pull towards yourself with even force - the lid is held in place by 3-4 latches.
- Set it aside so as not to damage it.
Step 2: Unscrewing the mounting screws
Glove compartment Octavia A5 attached to 4 screws (2 on each side) and 2β3 plastic clips at the top. The screws may be hidden by plugs; they need to be carefully pryed off with a screwdriver. Use Cross T20 for models up to 2008 and T25 for restyled versions (2009β2013).
Unscrewing diagram:
- First unscrew bottom screws (they are at an angle, so hold the screwdriver at an angle).
- Then go to top screws - they can be hidden under rubber seals.
- If the screws are stuck, spray them
WD-40and wait 5 minutes.
Is the battery terminal disconnected?|Has the bottom decorative cover (if any) been removed?|Are all 4 mounting screws removed?|Are the tools ready to remove the latches?-->
Step 3: Remove the glove compartment from the latches
The most important step is removing the panel from the plastic clips. Here many people break the clips, pulling the glove compartment towards themselves. Do this diagonally:
- Grasp lower right corner glove compartment and pull it to the left and to yourself.
- Once the right side is released, move your hand to top left corner and pull down.
- If you feel resistance, do not apply force - check that all screws are unscrewed.
After removal, inspect the dashboard for additional connectors (for example, backlight or opening sensor). They need to be disconnected by pressing the latches.
If the latches are broken, don't despair! New clips for Octavia A5 can be purchased at art. 1U0 857 561 (original) or 5Q0 857 561 (analog). They cost pennies, but will save you nerves during reassembly.
Features of dismantling depending on the configuration
Glove box design Ε koda Octavia A5 Varies by year and options. Below are the key differences that affect the withdrawal process.
| Equipment/option | Mounting features | Additional actions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Ambition, Classic) | 4 screws + 2 latches | No hidden fastenings |
| Elegance/Laurin & Klement | 4 screws + 3 latches + decorative trim | Remove the trim under the glove compartment (held on by clips) |
| Models with climate control | Additional temperature sensor connector | Disconnect the connector G179 (black, 2-pin) |
| Models with heated seats | Wires under the glove compartment (orange-black) | Disconnect connector T10e/1 before filming |
| Facelift (2009β2013) | Screws T25 instead of T20 |
Check for additional clip on the right |
On models with multimedia system Bolero or Amundsen behind the glove compartment there may be a wiring harness to the screen. Do not pull it - just carefully disconnect the connector Quadlock (white). If you plan to install rear view camera or Android Auto, prepare a connection diagram in advance so as not to confuse the wires.
β οΈ Attention: On diesel versions (1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI) a control unit may be located under the glove compartment EDC16. When dismantling, do not touch its contacts - static electricity can damage the microcircuits!
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when removing the glove compartment. Octavia A5. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
- π§ Broken clips β occurs if you pull the glove compartment straight towards you. Solution: shoot diagonally as described above.
- π Broken backlight wires - often happens on models with ambient lighting. Solution: Before removing, disconnect the connector
T4a(red, 3-pin). - π© Lost screws β the screws may fall into the niche under the dashboard. Solution: use a magnetic holder or place a cloth underneath.
- π₯ Short circuit - if you do not disconnect the battery when working with wires. Solution: Be sure to remove the negative terminal 10 minutes before starting.
- π± Damage to connectors β upon forced disconnection. Solution: press the connector latches rather than pulling the wires.
Another typical problem is problems with the stove after reassembly. This happens if you touch the damper lever or squeeze the pipes. Before installing the glove compartment, check that:
- Damper control lever (
located on the right under the glove compartment) not moved. - The heater pipes are not kinked.
- All connectors are connected until they click.
What should I do if the glove compartment light does not work after assembly?
If the backlight does not light, check:
1. **Wire integrity** - often frays at the bend.
2. **Connector T4a** - it may not have completely fallen into place.
3. **Fuse F41 (10A)** in the block under the steering wheel - sometimes burns out during a short circuit.
4. **The light bulb itself** - on Octavia A5 used W5W (article N 017 753 2).
If the problem is not resolved, check mass on the body under the glove compartment (the grounding point may oxidize).
Reassembly: nuances and verification
Putting the glove compartment back in place seems easier than dismantling it, but there are pitfalls here too. Follow these tips to avoid problems:
- Check all connectors - they must be connected until there is a characteristic click. Pay special attention to the connector
T10e/1(if there are heated seats). - Align the latches β before installation, make sure that all plastic fasteners on the dashboard are not bent.
- Tighten the screws crosswise - first the upper ones, then the lower ones. This will prevent the panel from warping.
- Check the operation of the stove β after assembly, turn on the heating to maximum and make sure that the air blows evenly.
- Adjust the position β The glove compartment should close without effort. If it sticks, loosen the screws and adjust the position.
After assembly, turn on the ignition and check:
- π¦ Does it work? glove compartment light?
- π₯ Does it turn on? heated seats (if any)?
- π‘οΈ Does it show temperature sensor correct values (on models with climate control)?
- π΅ Does it work? audio system (if they touched the wiring)?
If a creaking or rattling noise appears after assembly, most likely one of the clips is not in place. Don't ignore this - vibration will eventually loosen the fastenings and can damage the dashboard.
Modifications and tuning: what can be done after removing the glove compartment
Now that the glove compartment has been removed, you have an excellent opportunity to carry out useful modifications. Here are a few ideas that owners are implementing Octavia A5:
- π΅ Subwoofer installation β in the niche under the glove compartment you can place a compact
8" sub(for example, Pioneer TS-WX120A). - π Installation of a USB hub β for connecting a smartphone or flash drive to the standard radio (Bolero/Amundsen).
- π‘ Replacing backlight bulbs with LEDs - use diodes
T10 W5Wwith a resistance of 150 Ohms to avoid errors on the tidy. - π₯ Installing a cabin heater - for example, Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 (requires additional wiring).
- π± Android Auto integration - via adapter CarPlay2Air or Carlinkit (you need to connect to
CAN bus).
If you plan to install additional equipment, consider the load on the on-board network. For example, a subwoofer rated over 200 W will require a separate fuse and relay. For Octavia A5 recommended to use:
- fuse
30Afor the subwoofer. - Wire cross-section not less than
4 mmΒ²for food. - Relay
12V 40A(for example, Bosch 0 332 019 150).
How to connect a rear view camera to the standard radio?
To connect the camera to Bolero/Amundsen you will need:
1. **Camera** with connector RCA (for example, Parkmaster 100-W).
2. **Adapter** for activating the camera when reverse gear is engaged (item no. VW 5C0 035 730).
3. **Wire** for connecting to the radio (use the connector Quadlock, contact A8).
4. **Coordination block** (if the radio does not support automatic switching).
Important: On Octavia A5 the reverse gear signal is taken from the wirepurple-black color in the harness under the glove compartment (contact T10s/6).FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the glove compartment on an Octavia A5
Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without a puller?
Technically yes, but the risk of damaging the plastic or latches is extremely high. If you don't have a puller, use plastic card (for example, banking) or a blunt tablespoon, wrapped in electrical tape. The main thing is not to use metal objects or apply excessive force to the latches.
How much does it cost to replace broken clips in the service?
At the official dealership Ε koda Replacing one clip will cost 800β1,200 rubles (with work). In independent services the price is lower - 300β500 rubles. However, you can buy clips yourself (original 1U0 857 561 costs ~150 rubles per piece) and can be replaced in 5 minutes.
What should I do if the heater stops working after removing the glove compartment?
Most likely you touched damper lever or control cable. Solution:
- Remove the glove compartment again and check the position of the lever (it should be in neutral).
- Make sure the cable does not come off the guides.
- Check the fuse
F36 (30A)β he is responsible for the stove fan.
If the problem persists, it may be damaged heater resistor (located under the glove compartment on the right).
How to remove the glove compartment on an Octavia A5 with a heated steering wheel?
On versions with heated steering wheel (Winter Package) under the glove compartment there is an additional wiring harness to control unit J527. Algorithm of actions:
- Disconnect the battery and wait 10 minutes.
- Remove the bottom cover (if equipped) and disconnect the connector
T32b(black, 6-pin). - Unscrew the screws and remove the glove compartment as described above, but with extreme caution - do not pull on the wires!
When reassembling, make sure that the connector T32b connected until it clicks, otherwise the heated steering wheel will not work.
Where to buy original clips for the glove compartment?
Original clips can be ordered:
- From an official dealer Ε koda (article
1U0 857 561for Octavia A5). - On Exist.ru or Autodoc.ru (analogues:
5Q0 857 561,3B2 857 561). - On AliExpress (search for the phrase βVW Golf 5 clipβ, since the platform Octavia A5 and Golf 5 identical).
The cost of one clip is from 50 to 200 rubles. Buy with a reserve, as 1-2 pieces often break during dismantling.