Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi All

Wonder if anyone can offer kind advice on how to get into an otherwise seemingly unopenable glove box (UK 1972 Plus2 S130) No matter how much it it pressed, it will not unlatch.

Any known work arounds please?

Thanks in advance

Have you tried giving the lid a pull? Maybe with a suction cup of something like a phone holder so as not to damage the dash? Might not work if it's cracked though..

Thanks. Worth a try...now to root under the sink to see where the plunger may be....

Is there inward movement when you press the glovebox? The latch mechanism can become sticky and not release, or the body of the latch can be dislodged or become loose making it difficult to allow enough travel for the mechanism to operate. If it?s stuck on the closed function it really won?t release by pulling the door, these types of latch are often used for quite heavy loft access panels so they are tough old things that don?t easily pry open if forced.

This is the item, it?s a sprung loaded mechanism. It may be possible to use a spray penetrating oil with a tube like those WD40 cans have. Give a good squirt, leave a few minutes then give the glovebox door a firm sharp push with the heel of your hand a few times, normally this will do the trick

Try giving a firm but sharp tap on the lid. The rebound will usually cause it to pop out. +2 on the mechanism getting a little dry causing it to be reluctant to open.

Jeremy

Thanks for further suggestions folks and confirmation that the latch is the same as my old S4. Will give all the above a whirl!

I had a lot of trouble with mine, it was stuck shut from when I bought it at auction.

Ended up unscrewing it from the back of the dash. The wads of cash and comprehensive history I was hoping for weren't there - just a crusty old chamois

Mine gets stuck in the frame of the surrounding dash, i can hear the lock click when I push the door, I give a light push underneath the dash frame and it pops open.

I had a lot of trouble with the glove box latch sticking.

I replaced it with a kitchen cupboard magnet.

ooh I like the magnet catch idea Thanks