If your Tesla glove box is stuck, you’ve come to the right place to open it. I’ve been in this situation and have figured out many different ways to open the glove box, no matter what the problem is.
After reading this, you’ll be able to get your Tesla glove box open so you can access what’s inside.
Quick Check: Is Your Car in Valet Mode by Accident
Valet mode prevents access to the glove box. So it’s worth checking to make sure your Tesla isn’t in Valet mode.
You can see this on the touchscreen. The driver profile will show Valet mode and you’ll need to enter your PIN to get it out. You can also use the Tesla app to disable Valet mode if the vehicle is in the park.
Reset the Glove Box PIN
Another way you can get into a Tesla glove box that’s stuck is by resetting the glove box PIN. Whether you don’t remember it or the system is having a malfunction, this might open it up.
Here’s how to reset the Tesla glove box PIN:
- On the touchscreen, go to Quick Controls
- Then select Safety & Security, and press Glove Box PIN
- Enable the Glove Box PIN and enter your desired PIN
- Select Enter Tesla Account Credentials, and follow the prompt for Reset Glove Box Lock
- Enter your Tesla Credentials and select Confirm
External Pressure To Open Glove Box (Hex Pin)
People have had succeed in getting into a stuck Tesla glove box by using a hex pin. If you can open the side panel, you can try this trick to get the glove box open. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the passenger door
- Remove the small plastic cover that is on the side of the glove box. You might need to use something to pry it up, like a putty knife, but it will pop off with some pressure.
- Find a small hex pin, also known as an Allen wrench, approximately 2-3 mm (3/32” to 1/8″)
- Insert the hex pin about 1” (2.5 cm) into the hole on the side opening that’s closest to the glove box door
- With the end of the hex pin pointing toward the glove box door, rotate the hex pin to try to release the latch holding the door in place
- Keep trying until you can locate and release the latch and the glove box opens
Here is a YouTube video that shows this process and exactly where to insert the hex pin.
It can be difficult to find the release latch, but wiggle the hex pin around a little and you should be able to get it.
Use a Putty Knife To Open the Glove Box
Sometimes the latches get jammed. Or you might have too much stuff in there, which can get in the way and prevent the glove box from opening. To fix these issues, you can try to use a putty knife.
Insert the putty knife into the small opening between the dash and glove box door. Gently pry on the door while hitting the release button.
If it doesn’t open, try to move the putty knife side to side and see if you can feel anything blocking the door. Push it out of the way with the putty knife and try to open the glove box again.
Use caution with the putty knife. It can damage your interior components and scratch them. It’s not worth destroying your car’s interior to access the glove box. If you can’t get in this way, there are other methods to try.
Update the Software in Time
Sometimes the glove box doesn’t open due to software issues. Tesla owners have reported this on more than one occasion. Thankfully, if this is the case, it’s usually resolved with an over-the-air software update.
To force an update, go to your Quick Controls on the touchscreen. Then select Software and select Update Available. It should start automatically. And when it’s done, hopefully, you can open the glove box door.
If you don’t see Update Available, then your Tesla software is up-to-date and this likely isn’t the issue.
Reset 12V Battery
Many of the Tesla cabin functions use the 12V battery system, including the power glove box door release. If you reset this system, it might allow you to open the glove box door.
Your 12V battery is located in the front trunk, below the windshield. Start by opening your frunk through the touchscreen or your Tesla app. Then remove the plastic cover that is under your windshield.
At this point, you should have access to your 12V battery. Models made in 2021 and before use a lead-acid 12V battery with two terminals, positive and negative, like most car batteries. If you have this, you can use a small wrench to disconnect the negative (-) terminal. Leave the connector off for a few minutes, then reconnect the terminal and try to open your glove box.
Newer Tesla cars use a lithium 12V battery. These batteries use a simple electrical connector for both positive and negative wires.
To disconnect the 12V lithium battery, lift the green tab, then push the black cap toward the driver’s side. Then lift the entire connector with both wires straight up and out of the battery. Leave it off for a few minutes before reconnecting it. Here is a YouTube video with the process.
Disconnecting the 12V battery under the windshield will reset the system since it breaks the circuit.
Check Fuses
Another way that your Tesla glove box can get stuck is if the fuse blows. Each Tesla has multiple fuse boxes. It can be a little difficult to find the right fuse to check, but a quick inspection of each fuse box is a good idea. Any blown fuses could be causing other issues that you may not notice.
See your Tesla Owners Manual for specific details on the locations of your fuse boxes. It also shows you which controls the glove box. Some fuse boxes are in the same place as your 12V battery, in the frunk under the windshield.
To access these, pop the frunk and lift the plastic cover under the windshield off. Then locate the fuse box and pull off the cover. You can see the ends of the fuses and you can inspect them to see if any are blown.
You may have another fuse box inside the vehicle under the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. You’ll need to remove the plastic trim pieces running along the side of the door jamb to access it. These pieces pull off without any tools, as showing in this YouTube video.
If you’re not a professional, please don’t pull random fuses on a Tesla.
Our Verdict
When your Tesla glove box is stuck, make sure it’s not in Valet mode. If that doesn’t work, try to follow our solutions to fix any glove compartment problem. You may need to take your Tesla to a service center if everything fails.
Want to learn more about how to maintain your Tesla? Head over to our article on Tesla Maintenance Cost.