Glove box lock is an over engineered problem waiting to happen

[walkabout]

Every other car I've ever been in (including every Ford and Lincoln) has the glove box lock as a simple button on the glovebox lid.  Does the job and is simple and reliable.  Lincoln decided that, in the MKX, they'd be different and move the button to the dash.  I've  had non stop problems with mine since I bought the vehicle.  It constantly fails.  Sometimes the glovebox  locks and wont' open, other times it springs open randomly.  Each time I bring it to the dealer they "adjust it" - it then works fine for a week before it fails again.

 

I called the service manager today and they agreed to replace the entire switch.

 

The MKX is probably the only car on the planet that has a glove box lock that can fail so spectacularly. Its also just a dumb location because it takes up hyper valuable dash real estate for a feature that gets used once ever few months. 

 

Sometimes the simply solution is the sensible one.

 

This reminds me of my last vehicle (BMW 3-series).  Instead of having a normal cupholder like the MKX it had these cool looking things that slide out of the dashboard.  Predictably, half the friends I know with a 3-series had them fail.

 

Over engineering always comes back to bite the owner in the butt. 

[Cosmos36]

The glove box mechanism works superbly on my 14+ month old MKX. It gets used at least once on every occasion the vehicle is driven. IMO, the push button is located ideally in a central position accessible to both driver & passenger. I am very pleased with the feature.

[walkabout]

Let's see how pleased you are with the feature if it fails (and I'm hoping it doesn't for you).

 

Just out of curiosity, why do you use the glove box every time you drive? 

[Cosmos36]

I don't anticipate that such a simple feature will fail in my vehicle. And, IMO those experiencing such a failure are in a very tiny minority. Also, I have confidence in my warranty & trusty dealer to repair/replace any failure should it occur.

 

The primary reasons for frequent use are that I store a permitted concealed weapon there along with a special microfiber cloth in the glove box for wiping fingerprints (not tolerable) off the center stack console and the wife accesses her gloves and other necessary items for use throughout the day.

 

I truly hope that the issue is rapidly & permanently fixed for you. I can understand what a nuisance the issue would be if continuing.

[punch-card]

- Enhanced Security Package: secondary horn, lockable interior storage, vehicle inclination sensor and enhanced valet mode

.... The glove box , I guess they figure the person breaking into the car will not how to open the glove box if there isn't a key hole.

[walkabout]

I doubt that is why they moved the button to the dash. I think they did it for the same reason so many modern vehicles have insanely complex transmission shifters or why Ford abandoned knobs and dials in many vehicles. Overengineering has always been a thing in this industry, taking simple functional solutions and replacing with complex ones that are prone to failure or are not ergonomically sound.

[thisguy159]

I agree I also think automatic transmissions are over engineered. Manuals were just fine and so much simpler. And auto hold really how lazy are you. .

 

Actually I like the button because it's easier to reach. What I would argue is instead over engineered and completely pointless are the autofold rear seats completely pointless. My wife just got a Murano and their button...Wait for it...Raises the seats instead ....I know shocking. Like the Murano the file feature could be manual by pushing a handle and being spring activated.

Edited January 6, 2017 by thisguy159

[walkabout]

The seats on the mkx are not autofold in the sense of having an electric pulldown.

 

In general, I'm not a fan of inducing mechanical complexity without a real gain. I had a loaner mkz with a power folding trunk. Really? is not like closing a trunk is inconvenient to start.

 

Then again, I once felt the same way about power windows ( I'm old enough to remember roll up windows being standard in most cars).

[elijahbird7]

My Mom's 88 Town Car has the self latching trunk, so it's been around a long time, and still works fine.

[akirby]

Let's face it - outside of power windows and locks (because you can't reach all 4 doors while driving) there isn't much necessity in these features - they're just added convenience.

 

Some people complain about the prop rod for the hood on older models but honestly I liked it because it's simple and you didn't have to worry about replacing springs and/or struts.

[mightyjj]

Yes-- there are other cars with this.  I have a 2014 Cadillac XTS sedan and it has a touch sensor button to open the glove box.  The button activates but the box will not open-- has been a problem from day 1.  Its lease is up in June-- Its going back.  What's wrong with a handle to open it?   Too much technology, but I guess they have to do something to make them different.

[thisguy159]

Baaaaaaaahhhh I hate the button I like the button I don't like the camera I like the camera I want a digital speedometer bllah blah blah can't make everybody happy.

[walkabout]

Yes-- there are other cars with this.  I have a 2014 Cadillac XTS sedan and it has a touch sensor button to open the glove box.  The button activates but the box will not open-- has been a problem from day 1.  Its lease is up in June-- Its going back.  What's wrong with a handle to open it?   Too much technology, but I guess they have to do something to make them different.

 

I totally agree with you.  None of this works better than a stupid switch on the glovebox.  Tried and true, never fails.  But, they got to come up with something just to be different. 

[walkabout]

Baaaaaaaahhhh I hate the button I like the button I don't like the camera I like the camera I want a digital speedometer bllah blah blah can't make everybody happy.

I'm pretty sure that one of the points of a car forum is discussion of car features, including pros and cons.

[thisguy159]

I'm pretty sure that one of the points of a car forum is discussion of car features, including pros and cons.

Agreed. Just being a smart ass.

[walkabout]

Your posts are fun. I enjoy your smartassness. Keep it up!

[walkabout]

the problem was caused by the plastic fake metal trim on the dash.  Apparently, it was installed improperly and was interfering with the dash switch.  It always seemed to be worst in the morning because the plastic shrinks and contracts a hair when it is very cold.

[fungo45]

How do I open the damn glove box when the battery is dead? 

I was watching a YouTube video Lincoln put out with instructions on how to open the give box (duh) and it even says in subtitles "will not operate when battery is dead". Great engineering. 

Luckily I'm at home with a dead battery but God forbid I was not and needed something in the glove box. 

Is there an override somewhere to do it manually?

[sean_p_lynch]

Yeah, poor design.

State Trooper: "Why are you pulled over on the side of the road?"

You: "My battery is dead"

State Trooper: "I'll need to see your registration and proof of insurance"

You: "Well, funny thing officer, they're in my glove box..."

 

Can you borrow a battery?

If you hook up jumper cables, the other car will supply power.

A re-chargeable jumper will do the same.

 

You list your car as 2016-2018. Are you still under warranty? Call Lincoln road service.

 

 

[fungo45]

I guess it's dead because I haven't driven the car in 3 weeks because of this quarantine stuff. It's connected to a charger now, so hopefully that works. If not, I'll call Lincoln for a free tow. Still under warranty and just got the battery replaced a few months ago. I'm actually surprised to find it dead already

[MKXMark]

If it's dead after 3 weeks you have other issues besides the glove box. 😀

 

On ours, the glove box is opened when we get new registration/insurance cards and at annual state inspection.

[fungo45]

23 minutes ago, MKXMark said:

If it's dead after 3 weeks you have other issues besides the glove box. 😀

 

On ours, the glove box is opened when we get new registration/insurance cards and at annual state inspection.

 

Yeah - I am a little worried as I don't this a new battery should be dead after three weeks. I charged it and started it this morning. so we'll see how it goes.

 

Forgot to mention that when the battery was replaced a few months ago,  I had a perfect reason why the design of the glove box is so dumb. I had to get the car towed, and the tow truck driver couldn't figure out how to put the car in neutral. Could have really used the manual - but it was locked in the glove box! Fortunately, we were able to look it up on our phones, but if I was in a place with no cell service, I would have been screwed. 

Edited April 5, 2020 by fungo45

[Cosmos36]

It is also recommended that an AWD MKX be put in 'towing neutral mode' when going through a carwash. 

[Dianna]

But the issue I had today where for some reason the battery was totally dead and all the icons on the dash were lit but car wouldn't start, couldn't unlock doors or open liftgate, etc. the glove box wouldn't open so I could not retrieve the manual to see what my problem was.  Oh but the running lights stayed on and couldn't turn them off.

[Cosmos36]

Please keep us updated on the diagnosis/fix for your issue...odd that some combo of things worked while others didn't. Must be a module problem since the battery (not TOTALLY dead) was still able to power dash icons & running lights.