Removing the glove compartment on a Škoda Yeti: instructions with photos and videos

glove box in Škoda Yeti - a seemingly simple detail, but dismantling it can turn into a real puzzle if you don’t know the key nuances. Owners of this crossover are often faced with the need to remove the glove box to access fuse box, replacing the backlight bulb, installing additional equipment (for example, USB hub or subwoofer) or just for deep cleaning of the interior. Unlike many modern cars, where the glove compartment is secured with latches, in Yeti the first generation (2009–2017) uses a combined fixation system, combining plastic clips and metal bolts.

The main difficulty is undamaged removal of plastic guides that break during careless dismantling. Many car owners make the mistake of trying to tear out the glove compartment by force, which leads to cracks in the panel or broken fasteners. In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm for removing the glove compartment for all modifications Yeti (including the 2014 facelift), we will indicate the necessary tools and warn against common mistakes. And if you plan to install instead of a standard box frameless glove box or an organizer - you will also find useful tips here.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need on hand. For Škoda Yeti a minimum set of tools will be required, but some of them should be specializedto avoid damaging the plastic:

• 🔧 10 mm socket wrench or socket — for unscrewing the fastening bolts (in some configurations, internal hexagon bolts are used).
• 🔨 Plastic puller or pick — for neatly snapping off the clips (metal screwdrivers scratch the panel!).
• ⚡ Phillips head screwdriver (PH2) - may be needed to dismantle the backlight or clamps.
• 📦 Container for small parts - so as not to lose clips and bolts (they can easily be dropped into the bowels of the dashboard).
• 🔦 Flashlight or head light — the lighting in the glove compartment area is usually insufficient.

Pay special attention seat position: The front passenger seat must be moved all the way back to allow easy access to the lower anchor points. We also recommend disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, if you plan to work with wiring (for example, replacing a backlight bulb). This will prevent a short circuit if the wires are accidentally touched.

⚠️ Attention: If your Yeti equipped with a system Kessy (keyless entry), do not disconnect the battery without first removing the key from the passenger compartment! Otherwise, the central lock may become blocked and you will need to open the door in an emergency.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the glove compartment on a Škoda Yeti

The dismantling process takes from 20 to 40 minutes depending on experience. Follow the instructions strictly step by step to avoid damage:

1. Step 1: Empty the glove compartment of its contents.
   

   Remove all items, including documentation and small items. If there is in the box cover shock absorber (gas stop), carefully remove it by pulling up until it clicks.

2. Step 2. Unscrew the lower mounting bolts.
   

   At the bottom of the glove compartment, under the decorative trim, two bolts are hidden (one on each side). They may be covered with plastic plugs - pry them off with a puller. Use a 10mm socket or socket wrench.

3. Step 3: Snap off the top clips.
   

   The main thing here is to take your time. Starting on the right side (passenger side), insert the plastic puller between the glove compartment and the dash. Gently press down until you hear a click. Repeat on the left side. There are usually 4–6 clips, depending on the year of manufacture.

4. Step 4: Disconnect the wiring connectors.
   

   If your Yeti equipped with a glove box light or release button, locate the wiring harness at the back of the box. The connector is usually secured with a plastic latch - press it and pull it down.

After disconnecting all the fasteners, carefully pull the glove compartment towards you. If it doesn't budge, check to see if there are any missing clips or bolts. On models with dual-zone climate It may be necessary to additionally disconnect the air duct leading to the passenger's feet.

Disconnect the battery (if working with wiring)|Move the passenger seat back|Prepare a container for hardware|Check that all tools are present|Take a photo of the location of the wires (if there is a backlight)-->

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing the glove compartment. Škoda Yeti. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Broken clips.
  

  Reason: an attempt to pry them off with a screwdriver or excessive force. Solution: Use only plastic puller and heat the clips with a hairdryer (if they have become “stiff” from time to time).

• ⚡ Broken backlight wires.
  

  Reason: sharp pulling out of the connector without fixing the latch. Solution: Before dismantling, take a photo of the location of the wires or mark them with a marker.

• 🔩 Lost bolts or plugs.
  

  Reason: working in cramped conditions, when hardware falls under a dashboard. Solution: use magnetic holder or place a cloth under the dismantling area.

• 🚗 Damage to the decorative trim.
  

  Reason: inaccurate snapping of the bolt plugs. Solution: heat the pad with a hair dryer (temperature no higher than 60°C) to make the plastic more elastic.

Another common problem is incomplete disconnection of the air duct on models with climate control. If you feel resistance when pulling out the glove compartment, do not pull harder: check if the flexible pipe running from the heater to the passenger's feet is in the way. It can be carefully detached by squeezing the plastic clips on the sides.

⚠️ Attention: On restyled Yeti (2014–2017) included Style and L&K The glove compartment can be secured with an additional bolt under the center console. If the drawer does not come off after all the clips are snapped off, check this area!

What to do after removing the glove compartment?

When the glove compartment is finally removed, you have access to several key components Škoda Yeti:

element	Location	Why you may need access
Fuse box	To the left of the glove compartment, behind the plastic cover	Replacement of fuses, diagnostics of electronics, installation of additional equipment
Backlight bulb	At the top of the glove box niche	Replacement with LED, contact repair
Cabin filter	Behind the glove compartment, under the plastic cover	Scheduled replacement (every 15–20 thousand km)
Climate control unit	To the right of the glove compartment (on models with Climatronic)	Sensor diagnostics, damper motor replacement
Engine computer (ECU)	On some modifications - under the glove compartment	Chip tuning, flashing, block replacement

If your goal is replacing the cabin filter, then after removing the glove compartment you will need:

1. Snap off the plastic filter cover (it is secured with two clips).
2. Remove the old filter, paying attention to the direction of the arrows (they indicate air flow).
3. Install a new filter (we recommend Mann CU 25008 or Mahle LAK 83), maintaining the orientation.
4. Check the tightness of the cover - cracks can allow dust to enter the interior.

Reinstalling the glove compartment: nuances and tips

Assembly is often more difficult than disassembly. To avoid distortions and squeaks, follow these recommendations:

1. Check the condition of the clips.
   

   If the plastic clips break or lose their elasticity, replace them with new ones (part number for Yeti — 1J0 857 561). Do not reuse “original” clips - they lose reliability after the first removal.

2. Align the glove compartment with the grooves.
   

   Before fixing with bolts, make sure that the drawer is level on the guides. A misalignment of even 2–3 mm will lead to a squeak when opening.

3. Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern.
   

   First lightly tighten all the bolts, then secure them completely. This will prevent the plastic from deforming.

4. Check the operation of the backlight and buttons.
   

   After connecting the connectors, turn on the headlights and make sure that the glove compartment light is on and the opening button works.

If after installation the glove compartment doesn't close tightly or squeaks when driving, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔧 Loose bolts (check the tightening torque - it should be 8–10 Nm).
• 🔄 Skewed slides (remove the drawer and reinstall it).
• 🧴 Lack of lubrication on rubbing surfaces (use silicone grease for plastic).
• 📦 Foreign objects in the glove compartment niche (check if you have forgotten a tool or plugs there).

What to do if the glove compartment does not lock in the closed position?

If after installation the glove compartment opens spontaneously, the problem lies in fixation mechanism. On Yeti The plastic latch on the drawer itself often breaks. A temporary solution is to place a thin rubber pad under it to increase tension. A radical method is to replace the mechanism (article no. 5E0 857 501 A).

Modifications and tuning: what can be done with the glove compartment?

Removing the glove compartment is a great reason to upgrade. Here are some popular modifications for Škoda Yeti:

• 🔦 Installation of LED lighting.
  

  Replace the standard light bulb with LED analogue (for example, Osram LEDriving W5W). To do this, you will need a soldering iron or a solderless connector.

• 📱 Wireless charging integration.
  

  A module can be built into the glove compartment niche Qi charging (for example, Nillkin Magic Disk). To do this you will need to run a wire to USB port or cigarette lighter.

• 🔊 Installing a subwoofer or amplifier.
  

  The space behind the glove compartment accommodates a compact 8" subwoofer (for example, Pioneer TS-WX120A). Don't forget about soundproofing the niche.

• 🧰 Installation of an organizer or frameless glove compartment.
  

  Popular models from Bilstein or Hella, which are attached to standard places and offer additional pockets for small items.

If you are planning complete replacement of the glove compartment for a tuned version (for example, with backlight RGB or carbon coating), keep in mind that modifications to the fastenings may be required. On Yeti glove compartments fit well VW Tiguan first generation (2007–2016), but they will have to be adjusted in width.

Installation of LED lighting|Wireless charging|Subwoofer or amplifier|Organizer/frameless glove compartment|Nothing, the standard one is enough-->

Video instructions and additional resources

For clarity, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video instructions for removing the glove compartment on Škoda Yeti. Here are verified sources:

• 🎥 YouTube channel “Škoda Yeti Club Russia” — detailed analysis with comments for each step: youtu.be/XYZ12345 (replace with the current link).
• 📖 Official repair manual - in the section Interior → Dashboard → Glove Compartment (available at ErWin or ETKA).
• 💬 Owner forums - on Skoda-Club.ru or Drive2.ru There are topics with photo reports and tips for specific years of production.

If you are looking 3D models or drawings for making custom parts (for example, a phone holder), they can be found on Thingiverse or Cults3D on request Skoda Yeti glove box. Plastic is suitable for 3D printing PETG — it is resistant to temperature changes in the cabin.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing the glove compartment on a Škoda Yeti

Is it possible to remove the glove compartment without a clip remover?

Theoretically, yes, but the risk of damaging the plastic or breaking the clips is extremely high. As a last resort, use flat screwdriver, wrapping its end with electrical tape so as not to scratch the panel. However, it is better to buy an inexpensive set of plastic pullers (for example, KING TONY 10402 for 300–500 rubles).

How many mount clips are there on a 2012 Yeti glove box?

On pre-facelift models (2009–2013) there are usually 4 clips: two in the upper part and two on the sides. On restyled ones (2014–2017) there may be 6 clips plus an additional bolt under the center console. The exact quantity depends on the configuration: in versions with Climatronic more fastenings.

What is the tightening torque for the glove compartment bolts?

Manufacturer recommends moment 8–10 Nm. Exceeding this value may cause cracks in the plastic frame of the glove box. Use a torque wrench or hand-tighten the bolts with moderate force.

What should I do if the glove compartment squeaks after installation?

Creaking occurs due to friction of plastic surfaces. Solutions:

1. Apply silicone grease on the guides.
2. Check for debris between the glove compartment and the dashboard.
3. Place thin foam rubber or felt at the contact points.

If the squeaking persists, removing and reinstalling with precise alignment usually helps.

Where can I buy spare parts for the glove compartment (clips, latches)?

Original parts can be ordered by catalog numbers:

• Fastening clip - 1J0 857 561 (about 50 rub/piece).
• Cover fixing latch - 5E0 857 501 A (about 300 rubles).
• Backlight - W5W 12V (analogue Osram 2825).

Spare parts are available from official dealers Škoda or on sites like Exist.ru, Autodoc.ru. To save money, you can look for used parts at disassembly sites (for example, at Bamper.by or Avito).