Removal of Highlander Glove Box

[jmuhammad]

Anyone ever remove the Glove box in 2008-2010 Highlander? It's not covered in the technical manual. Also, what is behind it (any room to put custom install items--relays, modules, etc)?

[PhotonDreams]

Behind the glove box is the cabin air filter. Easy to change if you're in the mood when you have the box out. To remove the glove box first open it up all the way. On the right side you will see a black plastic rod. This rod is what allows the box to slowly open rather than just falling open.

The rod has a loop on the end and is held on the box by that split knob the loop rests over. Close the glove box slightly to take tension off the rod and squeeze the knob to make it smaller. This allows you to pull the loop end off. Now the only thing holding the box in are the two molded stops on the left and right sides of the box. To get the box past these stops reach in and hold the box by the upper edges of each side. Move the box about an inch in, as if you were closing it. Now squeeze the upper edges inwards and move the box open past the normal stopping position.

Since you are squeezing the sides this allows the box to move past the normal stop position. On the back side of the rear of the box you should be able to see the two pivot points on which the bottom rear edge rests. You should be able to just lift the box toward yourself off these two pivot points.

Just reverse these steps to put it back in.

Should you feel the urge to live life out on the edge for a few moments, you can do all this without first emptying the contents of the glovebox! Hope my description of these steps is clear enough and helps.

[sweeneyp]

photondreams got the removal spot on, but there really isn't much room behind it for components or relays as it site right up next to the AC blower/compoennts. There is room under it though and you don't have to take the glove box out. If you go into the passenger footwell and look up there is a black plastic cover with 2 very simple tabs that hold it in place. just undo that and it comes out. You should see the bottom of the AC blower along with places to place relays/other hardware.

[jmuhammad]

Awesome description. Thanks!

[luck123]

Just replaced my cabin filter a few days ago. Bang on description, but I would recommend that you don't let the glove box drop to the floor...the pivot points that Photon describes actually snap together (at least they do on my '09), and if you let it go to floor, you can see the plastic around the box start to buckle a bit from pressure. So, I fear that it may be possible to snap these pivot points, which would leave you in a bit of a pickle.

Therefore, I would drop the box about 8" from the floor, then pull out...ie. straight towards the passenger seat....they should pop off to free the glove box from the dash.

Cheers.