Removing the glove compartment on a Nissan X-Trail T31: detailed instructions with photos and tips

glove box in Nissan X-Trail T31 (2007–2013) - it would seem that the simplest element of the interior, but its dismantling can cause difficulties for inexperienced car owners. There are different reasons for removal: from replacing a backlight bulb to repairing a stove or installing additional equipment. In this article we will analyze the process step by step, taking into account the nuances of different configurations T31 (for example, with air conditioning or climate control), and we will also warn you against common mistakes that can lead to broken fasteners or damage to the plastic.

It is important to understand that the design of the glove compartment is X-Trail T31 different from newer generations (for example, T32). There are no hidden latches on the side - everything is held in place by screws and fasteners, but their location is not always obvious. If you plan to do electrical work (for example, changing fuses behind the glove compartment), be sure to disconnect the battery in advance. Otherwise, you risk shorting the contacts or burning the control unit.

Preparing for dismantling: tools and safety precautions

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. Unlike many European cars, where the glove compartment can be removed literally with bare hands, Nissan X-Trail T31 Requires a minimum set of tools. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip so that the screws do not get lost in the cabin).
• 🔨 Plastic puller or a flat-head screwdriver with electrical tape on the blade (so as not to scratch the panels).
• 🔦 Flashlight - glove compartment lighting T31 often weak, and the screws can hide in the shadows.
• 🧤 Gloves (optional, but protected from sharp plastic edges).

If you remove the glove compartment to access fuse box or stove fan, prepare in advance a fuse layout diagram for your configuration. B X-Trail T31 it may differ depending on the year of manufacture and market (for example, Japanese and European versions have different markings). Also check whether it interferes with dismantling steering column switch - in some cases it has to be removed first.

⚠️ Attention: If your X-Trail T31 equipped climate control, before removing the glove compartment, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery. Otherwise, the control unit may generate an error U1000 (loss of communication with the CAN bus), which will then have to be reset via the diagnostic scanner.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the glove compartment on a Nissan X-Trail T31

Now let's move on to the process itself. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid breaking the fasteners. Let's start from the bottom of the glove compartment:

1. Open the glove compartment and take out all the contents. Please note shock absorbers (gas stops) that hold the lid in the open position. There is no need to remove them - they are attached separately.

2. Remove the decorative trim under the glove compartment. It is held on by two latches on the sides. Carefully pry it off with a plastic puller, starting from the right edge. Don't pull too hard - the plastic is fragile!

3. Unscrew the mounting screws. B X-Trail T31 There are usually 4 of them:

   • 2 screws at the bottom (under the cover);
   • 1 screw on the right (behind the decorative plug);
   • 1 screw on the left (can be hidden under the rubber seal).

Disconnect the connectors. After removing the screws, the glove box still holds on electrical connectors (backlight, opening sensor). Gently pull them apart without tugging on the wires.

If the glove compartment does not budge, check for hidden fasteners. In some trim levels T31 (for example, with heated seats) there may be an additional screw under the climate control panel. Also note lock cable — it cannot be pulled sharply, otherwise the latch mechanism will break.

Nuances for different configurations of X-Trail T31

Glove box design Nissan X-Trail T31 varies depending on configuration. Here are the key differences to consider:

Equipment	Features of dismantling	Additional actions
Basic (without air conditioning)	Minimum number of fastenings (4 screws).	Check integrity lock cable — it often breaks down over time.
With air conditioning	Additional screw under the climate control panel.	When removing, do not touch temperature sensor (thin wire with green connector).
With climate control	The control unit can interfere - sometimes partial dismantling of the panel is required.	After removal, reset errors via OBD-II (possible error B1318).
Restyling (2010–2013)	The screws may be under decorative plugs (body color).	Use a plug puller to avoid scratching the plastic.

If your X-Trail T31 equipped heated seats, be careful with the wires under the glove compartment - they often rub against the metal body of the stove. When dismantling, check their integrity and, if necessary, insulate with heat-shrink tubing.

⚠️ Attention: In cars with leather interior (optional Leather Pack) glove box fastenings can be reinforced with additional rivets. They need to be drilled out or carefully cut with a hacksaw, and then replaced with screws during reassembly.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing the glove compartment. X-Trail T31. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Screw thread breakage. B T31 Soft metal screws are often used. To avoid breakage, use a screwdriver with the correct tip and do not apply excessive force. If the screw is already stripped, try unscrewing it pliers or drill out.
• 💡 Damage to backlight connectors. The connectors in the glove compartment are fragile, especially if the plastic has become brittle over time. Always pull on the connector body, not on the wires.
• 🔌 Forgetting to disconnect the battery. This is fraught not only with a short circuit, but also with a reset. radios, on-board computer and even immobilizer (in rare cases).
• 🔩 Lost screws or plugs. Inside X-Trail T31 There are many hidden places where small parts can fall through (for example, under the pedals). Use a magnetic mat or box to collect the fasteners.

Pay special attention to the glove compartment lock cable - in 30% of cases it breaks due to careless dismantling. If the cable is torn, it can only be replaced as an assembly with the latch mechanism (article no. 77110-4M000 for T31).

Reassembly: how to install the glove compartment back

Assembling the glove compartment Nissan X-Trail T31 usually easier than dismantling, but there are nuances here too. Follow these guidelines:

1. Check all connectors. Make sure the backlight and opening sensor are connected correctly. B T31 The connectors are often symmetrical, but they can be mixed up.

2. Secure the lock cable. It should move freely in the grooves, without kinks. If the cable sticks, lubricate it silicone grease (don't use WD-40 - it attracts dust).

3. Tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern. This will prevent the glove compartment from tilting. Start with the top screws, then the bottom ones.

4. Check the operation of the shock absorbers. If the glove compartment lid does not lock in the open position, the gas stops may have lost their seal. They can be replaced (item no. 77700-4M000 for left and 77701-4M000 for the right one).

After assembly, turn on the ignition and check:

• Does it work? glove compartment light;
• Does the lid close? tight, without backlash;
• Are there any errors on the dashboard (for example, Check Engine may catch fire if the control unit connectors are touched).

Additional work: what can be done after removing the glove compartment

Now that the glove compartment has been removed, you have access to several important components Nissan X-Trail T31. Here's what you can do additionally:

• 🔧 Replacing the cabin filter. It is located immediately behind the glove compartment (in some trim levels, under the panel). Recommended replacement interval: every 15–20 thousand km.
• 💨 Cleaning the stove fan. B T31 it often becomes clogged with leaves and dust, which reduces the efficiency of the airflow. For cleaning use vacuum cleaner and a soft brush.
• 🔌 Replacing fuses. Fuse box in X-Trail T31 located to the left of the glove compartment. The diagram is usually pasted on the inside of the block cover.
• 🎛️ Installation of additional equipment: DVR, radar detector or USB hub. The main thing is not to overload the standard wiring and use fuses of the correct rating.

If you are planning improve glove compartment lighting, you can replace the standard light bulb with LED analogue (For example, T10 W5W). However, keep in mind that LEDs that are too bright can cause glare at night. The best option is lamps with color temperature 4000–5000K.

How to get to the stove fan?

After removing the glove compartment, you will need to unscrew the 3 screws securing the fan housing (they are located around the perimeter). Then carefully slide the case to the left and disconnect the power connector. To clean the blades, use a brush and a vacuum cleaner - do not use water or harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the bearings.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the glove compartment on the X-Trail T31 without a screwdriver?

Theoretically yes, if the screws are already loose or missing (for example, from a previous repair). However, in 99% of cases you cannot do without a Phillips screwdriver. If the screws become sour, try using adjustable wrench with a cross attachment, but the risk of stripping the thread remains.

The glove box lock mechanism is broken. How to open it without a key?

If the lock cable is broken, you can open the glove compartment in the following way:

1. Remove the decorative trim under the glove compartment (as described above).
2. Locate the metal tab of the latch mechanism (located on the right).
3. Gently pull it down with a flathead screwdriver and the glove compartment will open.

For permanent repairs, the mechanism will need to be replaced (part number 77110-4M000).

After removing the glove compartment, the backlight stopped working. What's the problem?

The reasons may be the following:

• The light bulb connector is not connected (check the contacts).
• The light bulb has burned out (replace with a new one, for example, T10 W5W).
• Wiring is damaged (inspect the wires for breaks or melting).
• The fuse has blown (check in the fuse box F30 at 10A).

If the problem persists, it may be faulty backlight control unit (rarely, but happens in cars with mileage >200 thousand km).

How to remove the glove compartment if the screws are tightened too tightly and cannot be unscrewed?

In this case, proceed like this:

1. Treat the screws with a penetrating lubricant (e.g. WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2) and wait 10–15 minutes.
2. Use a screwdriver with impact mechanism (For example, Vessel or Knipex).
3. If the screw still does not fit, gently heat it with a hair dryer (do not overheat the plastic!).
4. As a last resort, drill out the screw with a drill with a diameter of 3–4 mm and install new fasteners.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use a grinder to cut screws - sparks can damage the plastic or get into the vents, causing a fire.

Do I need to reset errors via OBD-II after removing the glove compartment?

In most cases, no. However, if your X-Trail T31 equipped climate control or multimedia system with CAN bus,可能会出现错误 U1000 (loss of connection). In this case, it is enough to reset the error through a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327) or disconnect the battery for 10–15 minutes.