jondaurio

I have a 2005 Odyssey. The lower (and larger) glove box is acting like it is locked (i.e., I pull the handle, but it only comes out a little and it does not unlatch the glove box door). The key is in the verticle position (which is the unlocked position). I removed the two screws at the bottom of the glove box, but it is still attached at the top and I cannot get any access to the locking mechanism to try to remove it. Any suggestions???

jondaurio

I found this on another site and it worked! Thanks, anyway.

OK everyone here's the fix for a broken 2005 (and other similar model year) Odyssey lower glove box / glove compartment latch. It is actually quite easy but don't do what I did and spend 2 hours trying to figure out how to get the glove box open - just follow these steps.
I took apart the upper and unscrewed the lower box only to find the latch is blocked at every angle. The latch handles are notoriously weak - the internal plastic tabs break off rendering the handle inoperable. First check to make sure the lock us actually in the 'unlocked' position - straight up and down. Next, using a small flat head screwdriver gently pry off the trim piece around the lock itself. There are 3 tabs on this trim piece. Don't scratch the glove box but also don't worry about the lock trim as you will get a new one with the replacement. Third is to snap off the broken plastic handle. It likely has a broken tab already and is not repairable, so this will also be replaced with the new latch mechanism. Now shine a flashlight into the metal mechanism and in the middle section at the top you will see an oval opening that a tab on the handle engaged. Lifting up the handle pushes DOWN on this mechanism so when you push it down with a flathead screwdriver, you will open the glovebox. With the glove box open, gently remove the plastic trim piece on the inside of the box covering the latch mechanism. This will expose 2 phillips head screws. With a short phillips head driver or a phillips head bit on a ratchet, unscrew both and save the screws. The entire latch mechanism will come out of the box, lock and all. Next look at the lock mechanism and note a half-moon wire clip that holds the lock cylinder into the mechanism. Remove the wire and the cylinder will slip out of the mechanism. SAVE the lock and the 2 screws. If you haven't already, get a replacement latch in your matching trim color. I got mine from a local dealer the next day for $24.39 with tax. The new latch mechanism includes a replacement wire clip so remove the trim piece and the clip, insert your lock and re-install the clip and trim. Now simply slip the entire mechanism back into the opening in the box and using the 2 screws you saved, screw it back in place. Note the holes are not pre-threaded and may be tough to install with a short screwdriver with the box in place. I pre-threaded the holes with the screws prior to install. Once in, replace the interior trim and viola, you're done. Email me with any questions but it really isn't that bad and definitely is easy enough no one should pay a dealer $150 plus parts. It should only take about 15 minutes in total.

Nosfur22

Before you start breaking trim parts, try this first. Make sure the glove box is unlocked (key opening is straight up and down). Push the glove box in and then try to open the glove box using the latch. Sometimes the weight of the stuff inside makes it hard to unlatch the box. It's worth the try (it worked for me) and might save you having to go buy new trim parts. I can't take credit, I read the tip on another site.