how to open glove box with broken handle?

[Alfredo_mk3]

so, the handle on my glovebox broke somehow??? i have all my cars papers i would need if i got pulled over...

how do i open the glove box if the handle is broken?? the handle itself isnt broken, but i pull it to open like normal, but i feel no force, or feel a click or anything? i see a little plastic piece that looks broken inbetween the handle and actual glovebox...

car in question is a 98' jetta gl

[vwjettavr697]

well, mine is broken in a way that I can actually take out the handle. I just poke a key or a screwdriver in the lower part where there is a rectangle, pull it to the left and voila'. Feel free to ask for pictures if you cant understand me.

[mk3_vws]

i bought a beater with a broken glove box....got a screw driver to wedge in the gap and pried/beat it until it broke open ...then bought a working one at a junk yard

[redskinsboy326]

Quote, originally posted by vwjettavr697 »

well, mine is broken in a way that I can actually take out the handle. I just poke a key or a screwdriver in the lower part where there is a rectangle, pull it to the left and voila'. Feel free to ask for pictures if you cant understand me.

That happened to me. Works too.

[Alfredo_mk3]

pics would help alot....and i think i read or saw a diagram somewhere that showed only one screw holds the glovebox in?? somewhere under the leg area towards the middle of the car??

i'll have to see if i can find a glovebox at a junkyard...but actual vw's are HARD to find around here...none here in town, and last i went out of town there was two jettas...

[Imaduderu]

break it and buy a new one

im sure a screwdriver will do the trick

gl bro

[snowchiq311]

yeah my handle comes out completely also and i dont even to use a screw driver i can just slide the tab to the side and it pops open

[Autotuned]

Yep I use a small screwdriver or a key too

[Alfredo_mk3]

hmm, ill see if i can figure it out tomorrow...first it wouldnt close, now it wont open, and handle is broken...like it does everything to open, but it doesnt open..haha

[jorge r]

I don't have a picture, I used a piece of metal from a electrician's fish tape. A flat springy metal with a slight curve on the end. The metal is about 1/4" wide. Slide it from the top where the handle would be and activate the latch. I bought a replacement from the dealer at nominal cost.

[Massive Appeal]

Stick a pen or pencil all the way in the hole and jerk it to the right abruptly,
No seriously... it works

[B. Elliott Karnes]

well planted BOOT

[VW Scully]

This just happened in my Mk3 Jetta GL!! My wallet is in there! The entire handle/lock tumbler just disintegrated when I went to unlock and open it!! Gah!
I tried putting the key in but can't figure out what mechanism opens the latch.
Anyone have pics??

[Roketdriver]

Depends on if you're planning on breaking it or not.

Personally, if I REALLY needed to get in there in a hurry, I'd pry the thing open with a hammer/crowbar/huge knife/bare hands.

If you don't want to break it, disregard my advice.

[Kiyokix]

I broke mine a few months back, but all I have to do is use something to push the grey piece to the right to open it. Normally I just use my key and press toward the right side which releases the latch very easily (that's all your handle did anyway). Mine is a '98 Wolfie.

Kei

[VW Scully]

I used a butter knife! lol Thanks!

[toothpick]

I've got some unbroken glove box handles FS. even a silver face 3.5 one.
yes, you can just change the handle and keep your old glovebox, it's 2 screws.

[LG6R]

I've got some unbroken glove box handles FS. even a silver face 3.5 one.
yes, you can just change the handle and keep your old glovebox, it's 2 screws.

At $35 a pop, he's better off buying a whole new glovebox

[toothpick]

At $35 a pop, he's better off buying a whole new glovebox

good luck finding a 3.5 silver key'd one dude.
my friend even has a 3.5 cabby with only a black key'd handle...