Ricardo 0 Posted December 7, 2009 This morning I came to remove my works pass from the glove box and couldn't open it! It was locked and I don't even have a key for it. How could that happen? The only key I have is the ignition key but that won't turn it. How best to get in without smashing it? Pry the bottom hinges? I will try all the keys I posses before too drastic an action. Any help much appreciated, Cheers Rich Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisj21 2 Posted December 7, 2009 (edited) I've no idea myself but i do know that a member was selling a 'tool' to get into a glovebox without damaging it. Maybe try a search and drop him a pm? Chris Edit:- It was lagonda and here is a topic click Hope that helps Edited December 7, 2009 by chrisj21 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happygoron 2 Posted December 7, 2009 I have the same problem, it's not rare. As yet I've been unable to solve it. Lagondas tool didn't work for me, I think it's more for an unlocked glovebox with the opening mechanism broken. It's the actual lock that is broken for us I belive. At the moment I'm thinking of just drilling it out and getting a new catch without a lock from a lesser model so as not to require multiple keys. Sorry not to be of more help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildejon 7 Posted December 7, 2009 I will also be watching this thread, I'm sure there is something I need in that box... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SurGie 54 Posted December 7, 2009 When you renew the catch, get one without a lock so it dont happen again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ricardo 0 Posted December 7, 2009 Bllody hell I found an old peugeot key that fit The lock and mechanism still work so god knows how it got locked!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happygoron 2 Posted December 7, 2009 Fancy letting me borrow that key?!?! No idea how mine locked either, happened the day after I bought it, was opening and closing fine then boom, locked! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ricardo 0 Posted December 7, 2009 I hate throwing stuff out.....I have a tin full of loads of old keys from old house locks, padlocks, desks, trunks, boxes, mini, beetle, Cortinas, Marinas, fiesta, mk2 escort, Capri, Passat, 306, think the key that fit was a spare 306 key my son had 5 years ago! Most of the keyfobs are mouldy leather or rusty rings...Glad I never threw them out now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtdog 4 Posted December 9, 2009 Mine locked on its own once before but probably because of the amount of stuff I was trying to fit in it. The tool I used to get into it was a well aimed clout with a "knuckle sandwich" on the lock area and sure enough it popped open. Happy days But during my panic to open it I had forgot about using the key to open it lol. I'm pretty sure my ignition/door key works with it...although I can't be sure as I havent tried in months Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lagonda 41 Posted December 9, 2009 I have the same problem, it's not rare. As yet I've been unable to solve it. Lagondas tool didn't work for me, I think it's more for an unlocked glovebox with the opening mechanism broken. It's the actual lock that is broken for us I belive. At the moment I'm thinking of just drilling it out and getting a new catch without a lock from a lesser model so as not to require multiple keys. Sorry not to be of more help! Happgoron....sorry to hear tool didn't work for you. The tool slides the catch across, irrespective of the lock being locked/open. It could be yours has a different lock/catch mechanism (my car is late 1989). I say this because my original problem was I'd bought a new lock set, fitted all the new locks, but hadn;t bothered with the glovebox one. Consequently when I finally reassembled the dashboard plastics (in France, after 4 years...don't ask!), I found I'd locked the glovebox catch, & the key was in the box in storage in the UK...hence the tool! The corollary is, recently returned to UK, determined to fit new glovebox lock....easy, all the other locks changed easily, even the steering/ignition one, so this'll be a doddle......no! New lock was totally different, no way would it swap. The new one is completely self contained, whereas the original is the inner barrel only. Once removed, all the little springs & plungers are released, & there's no easy way of refitting them...so I've left them all out...so now my glovebox locks & unlocks fine....but with any key...oh well. So, it's possible your car has the "new" lock with perhaps a different operating mechanism. As you might expect from our leetle french friends, the mechanism is bizarrely complex....turning the key operates a cam which raises a plate which otherwise blocks the catch from sliding across. It's all very mickey mouse, broke mine in two places trying to remove it.....yes, it REALLY does appear that the lock is sandwiched between the inner & outer skin of the lid, which is comprehensively glued/welded together. Believe me, there is very little holding your lid in place....typically obtuse French to build such security and complexity into something that could be forced with very little effort! Might not be much help, but of course, if the "plate which otherwise blocks the catch" is stuck, then in those circumstances, my tool wouldn't help. Could only suggest getting someone to thump the area with their fist whilst you try using the tool....might just shake the plate free if it is that....you would need to work the tool from side to side as constant pressure might actually hold the plate in place. Might help to squirt WD40 in the area tool is inserted (not in lock itself). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lagonda 41 Posted December 9, 2009 Also ...don't think drilling lock would help as it's pretty well integral with the lid...probably easier to swap the lid complete, assuming you can find one that matches & has a lockless catch. Drilling lock to release the thing might work....but as stated, it could be forced easily...only the sliding bolt is metal, everything else is (pretty thin as well) plastic. I would imagine the latch that the bolt sldes into would break first...more of a problem perhaps if the small self-tappers that hold it to the dash strip out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eunosfield 0 Posted May 25, 2010 Sorry to drag this back up again but has anyone had any success in getting their stuck gloveboxes open with anything other than a knuckle sandwich? Lagonda unfortunately hasn't got any of his opening tools left, has anyone got any pictures of the tool or even some detailed pictures of the lock so I can best figure out how to break in without breaking the glovebox totally? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul_13 212 1 Cars Posted May 25, 2010 My mate Ryan's glove box locked itself, had to drill it out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eunosfield 0 Posted May 30, 2010 Thanks to Lagonda I finally sorted it! Paperclip in above the lock, slide to right - Dropped right open! Now I just need to remove the barrel so it can't lock itself again. Found a nice David Bowie tape in there too :-D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happygoron 2 Posted May 31, 2010 Don't fancy popping to south wales to try mine do you! Even with lagondas excellent advice I've got nowhere! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eunosfield 0 Posted June 1, 2010 Where about in South Wales? I occasionally head down to Llangennith to do some surfing and I'd be happy to try and break into your car for you :-D Although I'm starting to wonder if you haven't managed to get in if you have some different type of lock. I've now got my lock out of the glovebox totally and plan to modify it as per another thread I found to work without a key. It's not even worth having it work off the key if you can break in with a paperclip!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happygoron 2 Posted June 2, 2010 Swansea, so not far out of the way! I'll keep at it though. I think you can get base model lockless catches. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildejon 7 Posted June 2, 2010 Just be patient... mine cleverly unlocked itself on its own! I'm pretty sure my car does fix itself sometimes if I think about it hard enough. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
