Glove compartment woes..

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » May 30th, 2005, 9:57 pm

I just got my hands on a '95 RS. The experience with the dealer was fairly unpleasant, and it will get even more so, but lets start with one problem at a time...
It's supposed to come with a CD deck, and it does, but the faceplate is nowhere to be found. The only place I haven't taken a look at is the glove compartment. I can't open it. It looks like the button that trips the latch is missing, so it can't be opened by hand. So I have 2 questions:
1) Can I open it without dismantling it, and how?
2) If not, how do i dismantle it, without causing any damage?

P.S. If I'm posting in the wrong forum, I apologize.
P.P.S. Thanks for your input, in advance.
P.P.P.S. Even if it wasn't for the CD deck, I'd still wanna hit a junkyard and get a replacement, so I will have to dismantle it eventually.

Grants · Post by **Grants** » May 31st, 2005, 2:39 am

You've got a different dash to mine so sorry I can't give you some first hand ideas.. But I think you'll have to get that latch to operate somehow cause if its anything like the '93 gloveboxes there wouldn't be another way in without doing damage.

Theres an online manual on the main page of MX-3.com - on the left hand side. That may help you. Otherwise maybe a drill and another trip to the junkyard....

Good luck with it and welcome to the board.

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » May 31st, 2005, 6:53 am

I hope i'll figure out a way. Actually I can get a screwdriver or a hooked wire in there, but I don't wanna start poking in there before I know the way the latch should be tripped to open it. Even a hand-drawn diagram would be a lot of help.

Actually I don't expect to find the faceplate in there, but since the dealer has been insulting my intelligence ever since I put a downpayment on the car, I wanna say that I've looked everywhere before asking him whether he prefers putting in a WORKING cd deck or getting reported to the UCDA, BBB and papers/websites he advertised in/on. Ironically, I have a spare mp3 deck, but the guy needs to be taught a lesson about honesty and customer service.

Grants · Post by **Grants** » May 31st, 2005, 7:27 am

before I know the way the latch should be tripped to open it.

Somebody must know???

OptiX · Post by **OptiX** » May 31st, 2005, 2:10 pm

why not just cut around the lock, its 2 layers of hollow plastic

just cut the glove compartment open
and then get a new one from scrap.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » May 31st, 2005, 3:34 pm

If the handle is missing you should be able to see the trip mechanism and make it work by prying or pulling it. The problem is that I doubt you'll find many on here who have ever broken their glove box handle to know how to open it without causing damage. I know that you can't take the cover off without opening it as the bolts and screws are all on the inside. (Thank you Mazda for making it difficult for thieves) Make sure that the lock is opened when you try to trip the mechanism, it won't budge if it is lcoked.

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » May 31st, 2005, 3:50 pm

Is the lock still in place? If it is and you just dont have the key.. take it to your mazda dealer and they can cut you a new key for it.. if the lock is buggered.. drill it out.. you mentioned that you are planning to replace it anyway right?

Tunes67

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » May 31st, 2005, 5:06 pm

Ok the lock itself is there and my ignition key actually turns it. I guess I'll try tripping the mechanism again later on today.

Btw. do I need a separate key for the glove compartment? If so, then I really hope the junkyard buy will come with one lol.

Kuromu · Post by **Kuromu** » June 2nd, 2005, 6:21 pm

I did not get a seperate key for the glovebox when I bought mine and the main key has always turned it so I just figured that is the way it was suppose to be.

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » June 2nd, 2005, 7:10 pm

Ok, this is really grating on my nerves and I don't wanna cause any damage if i don't have to. Therefore I'll have to ask you guys/gals for a favor. If you have a digital camera, could you snap a couple of pics to show me:
1) how the latch is pushed
2) what the latch itself looks like
3) what it latches onto?
If you can't post on this forum, I PM me for my e-mail addy. Thanks in advance.

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » June 2nd, 2005, 7:20 pm

I can do this for you when I get home from work this evening.. but that wont be for another 4-5 hours yet..

Tunes67

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » June 2nd, 2005, 8:55 pm

No rush. I would LIKE to have it by Saturday, but I won't wither and die if I don't

Basically I wanna have the shop get the certification work done before I go to the dealership and start b*tching about a missing faceplate, since they are the ones picking up the tab (they sold it to me certified). Once the safety work is done, they have nothing to blackmail me with, and I can concentrate on the little things, like sound.

edit: I'm forgetting my P's and Q's. Thanks bro

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » June 2nd, 2005, 8:57 pm

I could do it now.. except my digital camera is at home LOL I get to play on here at work during the day..

Looks like I will only need to stay another hour or 2 at the most

Tunes67

FiReSTaRT · Post by **FiReSTaRT** » June 2nd, 2005, 9:06 pm

As I said take your time and cherish your job. Speaking of which, are your people hiring?

Tunes67 · Post by **Tunes67** » June 2nd, 2005, 9:35 pm

*Chuckles* They just filled one position at our Mount Vernon location.. Give it a year or two.. once the owner retires or dies (cruel sounding I know but its the truth) His daughter will have this company nationwide in probably less than 10 years.

And I will be on easy street in less than 5 hopefully LOL

Tunes67