Glove Compartment Lock Replacement: Tips For Fixing A Broken Glove Box Lock

The Glove Compartment locking mechanism has a small latch and only requires basic hand tools to replace it.

For instance, when a technician removes your car’s pollen filter, he will take out your glove box.

When they repeatedly remove the box, the locking mechanism can break, causing the latch to jam or remain open.

And, this can pose many problems in your daily driving.

If your glove box lock cylinder is not working and want to replace it, you must know how the replacement works.

Basic Information

No two glove boxes are the same.

They don’t always have locks.

More often than not, there is only a handle.

The lock is attached rectangular loop catch.

In fact, if the glove box works well, the lock grips the catch.

The latch pulls back when you pull the handle.

And pulls freely from the catch.

When you lock the glove box, you intercept the handle’s capability to disengage from the catch.

The lock generally has a standard unlocking position.

You can unlock it with a key.

When the glove compartment is open, you can use the key to lock and unlock it.

Unlike the standard deadbolt, the latch is freely movable.

Broken Glove Compartment Lock

There are only a couple of reasons why the lock of your Glove Compartment broke.

Troubleshoot the problem to resolve your issue.

Before you contemplate replacing the lock, check whether you can still fix it.

You may not have to solve every problem or get a new lock at the end of the day.

Glove Box Won’t Open

Here are some of the rationales why your glove compartment won’t open.

First, the cylinder may have continuous rotation issues.

The lock could not interface correctly with the cylinder.

Unlatch the compartment before solving the problem.

Unlock the box even if you will replace the glove box lock.

Connect the lock to the set screws, inspect all components, and find out which connection is failing.

Glove Box Won’t Close

If your glove compartment doesn’t close, check that both the catch and the latch are not in the lock position.

If the glove box has clutter, it can make a wide gap and prevent the latch from connecting to the lock.

The catch will slip if you overstock your glove compartment.

This only means that when you move the grip backward, it exits the glove lock when closing the box.

The plastic can shear inaccurately by locking the glove compartment to capture the catch.

Lock Replacement

The replacement process starts by removing the lock to open the glove box.

If the compartment lock is in the way, ask for professional help.

The price for unlocking the glove box is different from opening a car.

Stuck Glove Compartment Lock

The glove box is different from your car door, but a professional locksmith can unlock it for you.

There may be some slight variation when placing the glove compartment in the car.

Therefore, what works with another box may not work with the other.

But, a screwdriver is all you need to unlock the glove compartment of some Acura or Honda car models.

The lock will open if you weigh down the latch.

Call a locksmith for help if you need it.

Lock Replacement Handling

The moment you encounter a glove compartment lock issue, decide whether or not to fix or replace it.

Decide who will do the replacement.

Call a professional locksmith or do it yourself.

Still, both have options to consider.

Contact a Professional

Your dealer and locksmith are the primary professionals who can handle the glove box replacement lock.

They probably have to buy replacement parts.

Your dealership may not be ready to comply with your request even with the latest car model.

Locksmithing and advocacy are not so different.

Explain to the locksmith what you need, so you both don’t waste your time.

Research may save you time, but you will spend a lot more on locksmith service fees.

DIY

One of the most considerable apprehensions of lock replacement handling is obtaining spare parts.

First off, you have to find a glove lock that fits your current lock.

If you can’t, then you should buy a new glove box instead.

You may purchase more than what you actually need.

As with the glove lock cylinder, don’t worry about the key because it is not the same as the door or the ignition.

You may not have what it takes to create a new box cylinder.

Should you decide to buy just the lock cylinder instead of the whole box assembly, ensure that it fits the housing.

Assemble the lock pieces to work well when you lock and unlock the glove box.

Glove lock replacement is pretty straightforward.

You can disassemble the broken lock from the glove box.

Watch out for plastic latches that could break during the lock replacement.

Add a Lock

You can definitely add a lock as an additional security feature.

And, you can buy a brand new one if you want.

Buying a new box is more expensive than remaking your existing compartment box.

Use a Universal Lock

The best you will get out of a universal lock is a regular lock cylinder.

Now, even that one is not universal at all.

Put a hole in the mount to add a lock to your glove compartment using a universal lock.

Glove Box Lock Kit

A replacement piece of the broken lock is the only thing you require in the lock kit.

Bring complete replacement parts if you have no idea what is wrong with the broken lock.

Everything connected to the lock needs replacement.

Remember to get a replacement cylinder and key if your existing cylinder is broken.

Take note that not all glove box has a key.

And, buying the latest glove lock in the market has its risks.

Consult a professional locksmith to avoid potential problems.

The Bottom Line

Based on how the glove lock works, we hope you better understand the problem you are experiencing.

If you have to replace the lock, open the glove box.

The possible extent varies in detail.

As complicated as it is, we recommend calling a locksmith to assist you better.