Glove Box Issue

[Guest inthespot]

Started to open my glove box today and no go. The latch would pull up about half way but nothing happened. I do not keep much in it but I do have a tire guage which I wanted to get. The box is not locked and when I really pull up on the latch it seams like it is going to brake. I know of no other way into it, what do you think I will brake if I just use force? I hate to tear it up but do not know what else to do, any suggestions?

[Barney Eaton]

Sounds like it is already broken. You will need to force it open but don't damage the door. The latch will probably give and it will open.

The glove box and rear storage bins use the same latch so you can transfer one from back there to the glove box until you find a replacement.

GM used the same latch on the Cutlass, Century, and I think Pontiac smaller cars in the early '90's so you can find the parts. The trick is picking the lock on the junk yard part so you can transfer the lock from your car, avoiding the need for a different key.

[Howard]

I had that happen to mine one time. I was able to open the box door without damage. You will need a flashlight to see under the latch handle and a very small screwdriver. The kind you fix eye glasses. It helps if you recline the passenger seat and move it forward so you can rest your back on the seat while getting close to the glove box lock. Pull the handle out, don't worry about breaking it because it already is, till you see a little silver cylinder. With the screwdriver, try to rotate the cylinder toward the dash. You might "play" with that several minutes before you "hit" it just right. If you were as lucky as I was, the door will just pop open. The handle is toast and will have to be replaced. The problem, these latches should never have been made of plastic. They were pretty easy to break when they were new. Now, more that a decade old, they bite the dust very easily. I was lucky to find some new ones a few years ago. Jim Finn maybe able to help you with some used handles. Hope this helps and good luck

[Guest inthespot]

You are correct, that is the problem and it did open. I wlll get with Jim and get another latch is he has one in gray. I will switch it with one of the rear compartments tomorrow. I have to put the headlight switch on that I got from him anyway and I also have to check out the latch on the door going into the trunk. I can open mine with the key but it is in the locked position or it just falls open. I am not sure how it works as the lock disengages both ends from the catch at eather end of the door. But thanks for the info it did work.

[Howard]

My latch is grey too. Just in case you can find a new one the part number is 1646527 for grey. I found my new ones at the following location: http://www.vintageparts.org/ You have to email them, and ask for a price and if they have the item in stock. I did mine about three years ago, so I don't know if they might have any more. As to the latch for the trunk pass through, it only opens with a key. It's not the same as the other latches. Beware, that you always remove your key from the latch before you open the door. The door is rather heavy and will bend the key, if it hits the floor. Glad I was able to help you out.