How To UNLOCK Glove Box????

2022 SR5 Premium- What is the F’ing secret to UNLOCKING the glove box???

A couple weeks ago, I locked it with the provided key that comes built in to the key FOB. It locked fine. After locking it with the key, the release latch would not allow the glove box to open. Everything hunky dory.

Yesterday, I wanted in to the glove box. The key won’t open it. W-T-F…. So I got the brainstorm to use the other key from my second key FOB. NO GO! I’ve tried wiggling the key 20,001 different ways, pulling the key out of the slot to various degrees to see if that will catch something just right, standing on my head (figuratively speaking) and, my old favorite standby- cussing like a drunken sailor.

I wonder if the factory mismatched the key to the glove box lock some how? BUT THEN, how would the key LOCK the glove box as intended, but not UNLOCK it? I did purchase Toyota extended warranty coverage on this thing- I’ll have to get my paperwork out on it, but IIRC, it’s good for like 7 years, or 125,000 miles. But still, I hate to see what the dealer is going to do to this thing.

Anyone else ever have this problem? What a crock.

 

I would get a regular key made from that if possible.

 

Look for a thread called STUCK GLOVE BOX around August 12, 2023

 

Hey Rick,
This happened to me on my 21 Venture and I got the key to turn by pressing on the button (the plastic one on the glove box) while I rotated the key. After this happened and I realized what a POS this lock is, I added a factory OEM console safe with the 4 roller locks and haven't looked back. Not trying to sell you on that idea as they're about 300 bucks (but super-simple to install - 10 minutes), but I need to lock stuff up and that safe is "hoss" enough to deter an amateur from stealing stuff. Never locked the glove box again.

Sorry this happened to you. Please let us know when you figure out what went wrong on yours.

 

I don’t know this, but maybe you’re spare key is like a valet key. Limited access. But that wouldn’t explain why you were able to lock it.

 

Push up / in on the glovebox door while turning the key. Any pressure against the door from contents pressing against it from the inside will make the lock hard to turn.

 

Not gonna lie, the glove box lock is evidently not a widget Toyota cares about. It’s a true POS. Crawl Control, front and rear lockers, heated windshield wipers and bulletproof engine and transmission reliability - that’s what mattered to Toyota in Gen 5’s. Hardware that will bring you back in one piece from BFE no matter what.

Like I shared above with Rick (the OP), after I got locked out of the glove box like he did and jacked with it for at least an hour, I never locked it again and installed the safe in the console. I’ve enjoyed having the safe for numerous other reasons in addition - valet parking being one of those.

 

What brand did you use?

 

Toyota.

 

Whelp, here’s an update. I followed your advice Texoma-Brad. I was able to get the glove box open. Thank goodness. The glove box latch / release is working fine in the unlocked position. No more trying to lock that glove box. lol!

How rinky dink and un-Toyota-like. Dang…..

Thanks for the suggestion regarding a safe for the center console. I’ll keep that in mind.

 

Hey Rick - here’s the part if you’re interested. Brad

https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/console-safe-pt97289200

 

Thanks Brad. I’ll try to save up for that item. I should make it my very next accessory for my T4R. I’m glad I posted here about my problem. It reaped a solution. Much appreciated.

 

Makes you wonder if the GX460 has the same shitty lock?

 

This is good information. I never tried to lock mine…now I never will.

 

Yes, it has essentially the same lock, dunno about "shitty". It's a simple lock on a flexy plastic door so it is what it is. There's no reason to ever use it since a one armed monkey with a soda can tab could pry the door open and defeat it.

 

Here is the direct link:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/stuck-glove-box.33367/#post-481674

@Rick G. glad you got it working! Big thanks to @Texoma-Brad for the suggestion - real life experience.
https://www.4runners.com/threads/how-to-unlock-glove-box.47960/#post-799987

anyone looking for a console safe (non oem):

Boss Strong Box
https://www.bossstrongbox.com/4runner-center-console-safe

Console Vault
https://www.consolevault.com/products/toyota-4runner-center-console-safe-2010-2024

Toyota 4Runner Center Console Safe (Fingerprint Lock with Key) : 2010-2024
https://www.wasaisafe.com/products/toyota-4runner-console-safe-2010-2024-1
Toyota 4Runner Center Console Safe (4-Digit Combo Lock) : 2010-2024
https://www.wasaisafe.com/products/toyota-4runner-console-safe-2010-2024-2

Center console safe (generic)

$77 A-Premium Center Console Safe Box Compatible with Toyota 4Runner 2014-2021

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Console-Compatible-4Runner-2014-2021/dp/B09NTFLLB1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqxg4-A_wLU

Center Console Armrest Storage Box Safe 00016-86184 For 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405036190307

 

This is easy. Glue gun and 1 stick of glue from dollar store . Fill key hole with hot glue. Let it drip down the glove box door 4-6 inches (just enough to pull on once hardener). Let it sit for at least a day. Once cooled and hardened, grab the 4-6" tail peel it off the glove box and twist clockwise until you hear your glove box lock click. Walla!

 

I see. Ruin the glove box lock with hot glue in order to get it open once, and necessitating buying a new lock...sounds like a reasonable solution.

 

Dudley strikes again

 

Well shit, first it's a trunk monkey, then a glove box monkey and now an f***in glue monkey.
Where's the monkey that's gonna buy my gas??

Oh yeah, that's me.