Have you ever found yourself in a Tesla, needing to access the glove box, only to realize there's no traditional latch? It's a common "aha!" moment for many new Tesla owners. With its minimalist design, Tesla has integrated many features into its touchscreen interface, and the glove box is no exception. However, what happens when the screen isn't cooperating, or you need a truly "manual" way in? Don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about opening your Tesla's glove box, including the less-known manual override.
Step 1: The Standard Digital Way (and Why It's Usually Enough)
Before we delve into the "manual" aspect, it's essential to understand how Tesla intends for you to open the glove box. For the vast majority of situations, the digital interface is your go-to.
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| How To Manually Open Tesla Glove Box |
Accessing the Touchscreen Controls
Engage with the Main Display: Your Tesla's large central touchscreen is the control hub for almost everything.
Navigate to Controls: Look for the car icon (or sometimes just "Controls") at the bottom or corner of your screen. Tapping this will bring up a menu of various vehicle functions.
Locate the "Glove Box" Option: Within the "Controls" menu, you'll find an option explicitly labeled "Glove Box." Simply tap on it.
Automatic Release: Upon tapping, you'll hear a soft click, and the glove box will automatically pop open. To close it, simply push it upward until it latches securely.
Voice Commands: The Hands-Free Approach
Tesla's voice command system is incredibly intuitive and offers a super convenient way to open the glove box, especially while driving.
Activate Voice Commands: Press the voice command button on your steering wheel. This is usually a small microphone icon.
Speak Your Command: Once the voice command prompt appears, clearly say, "Open glove box."
Instant Access: The glove box will then open without you having to take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Steering Wheel Scroll Wheel (Model-Specific/Customizable)
Some Tesla models, or with custom settings, allow you to program one of your steering wheel scroll wheels to open the glove box.
Check Your Settings: Go into your vehicle's settings on the touchscreen to see if this option is available and how to assign it. Many owners assign a long press of the left scroll wheel to this function.
Press and Hold: If configured, simply press and hold the designated scroll wheel for a few seconds. The glove box will open.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Step 2: When Digital Fails - The True Manual Override
While Tesla's digital methods are reliable, there might be rare instances where they don't work (e.g., a completely dead 12V battery, a software glitch, or a malfunctioning latch motor). In such scenarios, a manual override exists, though it's not as straightforward as a traditional car's glove box latch.
Understanding the Mechanism
The Tesla glove box is electronically latched. The "manual" method involves bypassing this electronic mechanism by physically manipulating a small lever or tab behind the side dash panel. This isn't something you'll do every day, but it's a good trick to know in a pinch.
Tools You Might Need:
A plastic trim removal tool (highly recommended to prevent scratches) or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape.
A flashlight (to see the internal mechanism).
A small hook-like tool (an Allen wrench, a sturdy paperclip bent into a hook, or a small pick tool can work).
Step 2.1: Gaining Access to the Side Panel
The "manual" release is hidden behind the passenger-side dash end panel.
Open the Passenger Door: Fully open the passenger-side front door of your Tesla.
Locate the Side Panel: On the side of the dashboard, you'll see a small rectangular or irregularly shaped panel that blends in with the trim. This is the piece you need to remove.
Carefully Pry Open: Using your plastic trim removal tool (or a carefully wrapped flathead screwdriver), gently pry the edge of this panel. Start from one corner and work your way around. It's usually held in place by a few clips, so a firm but gentle pull should release it. Be careful not to scratch the surrounding trim.
Step 2.2: Locating and Activating the Latch Release
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
Once the side panel is removed, you'll expose the inner workings of the dashboard.
Shine Your Flashlight: Peer into the opening where the panel was. You're looking for a small hole or opening that provides a view of the glove box latch mechanism. This can be tricky to spot at first.
Identify the Latch Tab/Lever: Inside this opening, you'll need to identify the small tab or lever that, when pulled, releases the glove box. It's often described as a plastic piece that moves when the glove box electronically opens. Some videos suggest looking for a small "hook" or a mechanism that looks like a trigger. It's usually located slightly to the lower front within the opening.
Insert Your Hook Tool: Carefully insert your hook-like tool into the opening.
Feel for the Latch: Gently probe around until you feel the small tab or lever. It might require a bit of finesse.
Pull the Latch: Once you've hooked onto it, pull the tab/lever towards you (or in the direction that seems to release it). You should hear the glove box pop open.
Verify and Close: Once the glove box is open, retrieve what you need. To close it, simply push it back up until it clicks shut.
Replace the Side Panel: Align the clips on the side panel with their corresponding slots and push firmly until it snaps back into place.
Remember: This manual override is designed for emergency situations. Repeated use may cause wear on the internal mechanism.
Glove Box Security: Setting a PIN
Tesla offers an additional layer of security for your glove box with a PIN feature. This can be very useful for keeping valuables or sensitive documents secure.
Access Controls: Go to "Controls" on your touchscreen.
Navigate to Safety & Security: Tap on the "Safety & Security" option.
Select "Glovebox PIN": Here you'll find the option to set a 4-digit PIN for your glove box.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Enter your desired PIN and confirm it. From now on, you'll need to enter this PIN on the touchscreen before the glove box will open, even with voice commands or the scroll wheel.
Forgetting Your PIN: If you forget your glove box PIN, you can reset it by entering your Tesla account credentials at the bottom of the Glovebox PIN screen.
❓ 10 Related FAQ Questions
How to open Tesla glove box using voice commands?
To open your Tesla glove box with voice commands, simply press the voice command button on your steering wheel and say, "Open glove box."
How to set a PIN for my Tesla glove box?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
You can set a PIN for your Tesla glove box by going to "Controls" > "Safety & Security" > "Glovebox PIN" on your touchscreen and following the on-screen instructions.
How to reset a forgotten Tesla glove box PIN?
If you forget your Tesla glove box PIN, you can reset it by entering your Tesla account credentials at the bottom of the Glovebox PIN screen on your touchscreen.
How to close the Tesla glove box after opening?
To close your Tesla glove box, simply push it upward until it clicks securely into its closed position.
How to use the steering wheel to open the Tesla glove box?
On some Tesla models or with customized settings, you can program a long press of the left scroll wheel to open the glove box. Check your vehicle's settings to configure this.
How to open Tesla glove box if the touchscreen is unresponsive?
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
If your touchscreen is unresponsive, you'll need to use the manual override method, which involves carefully prying open the side dash panel and manually releasing the latch with a hook-like tool.
How to open a Tesla glove box in older Model S and Model X vehicles?
In older Model S and Model X vehicles (2012-2020), there is a traditional triangular button located to the right of the touchscreen that you press to open the glove box.
How to prevent my Tesla glove box from automatically locking?
The glove box generally locks when the vehicle is locked using the mobile app, key card, phone key (with Walk-Away Door Lock), or if Valet mode is active. It does not lock when you lock the car by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen.
How to fix a Tesla glove box that won't stay closed?
If your Tesla glove box won't stay closed, it might be due to a problem with the internal triggers or latch. This could be a warranty-covered issue, and it's best to contact Tesla service.
How to safely remove the side dash panel for manual glove box access?
To safely remove the side dash panel, open the passenger door and gently pry it open from one edge using a plastic trim removal tool to avoid scratching the surrounding interior.
Learn more about opening your Tesla's glove box digitally by watching this video:
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