speam44

Hi all, this is my first post. My 4Runner's glove compartment door is broken shut. The latch moves forward/backward but doesn't engage to open the box. Can someone help me how to open 'er up? I bought a set of picks and have tried, to no avail...maybe I don't know the secret "spot" to pick at. Please help - it's been month's and I'm finally reaching out for help - thanx!

eric-the-red

Look underneath and you'll see 2 bolts on the lower hinges, undo them and the entire glove box should come out. As for the latch I've never really looked closely at one but I would guess there's a 5c plastic bit broken somewhere.

speam44

Eric, thanx for the reply...but I've done that. After the 2 screws are removed the box remains attached....I haven't gotten "medieval" with it, but it seems like something is holding that thing...and you're right, it's a inexpensive piece that has failed after 11 years of fun...btw - that's my name too! Man, I tried like the devil with the pick going in to the latch assembly, but "she won't give, Captain"! :-)

aviator

Might it be some of the "junk in the trunk" holding the box closed I had a similar problem once I just jammed a flat screwdriver tip on my ratchet in to it and got a bit medieval with it and she came loose... buggered up the latch though... fortunately I'd just got a spare from the wreckers...

another time I just took of the bottom screws and and twisted it a bit and it popped out turned out it was just gummed up with somebody's spilled beverage...

Godzilla

ok ,,when the compartment is locked that is what will happen. The latch will go forward and back but will not catch to open..is the key slit vertical or horizontal? if its vertical its open and you have a problem. if its horizontal its locked/

speam44

I might undo those 2 screws again and give 'er the old "heave-ho"...but not too drastic, the only thing I wanna replace is the latch assembly, not the whole box....I'll let ya'll know how I fare...btw - can't be any beverages spilt down there - they always end up in me belly! ;-)

speam44

The key hole is in the vertical position.