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I purchased a 2002 F-250 S/D used. The owners manual says I need a Key attachment to lower the spare tire. The manual states it is located in the glove box, but there isn't one. Does anyone know how I can get one or even lower the spare tire so I can change the lock cylinder with a replacement one and key?
madrick, You might want to check the rods used to crank the tire up and down, they may have left the key on it. Also look in the bag that has the rods stored in it. You might get lucky and find it in there. Good luck!
yea when i got my 2000 f250 no key .go to the dealer and order one .but the could be a i.d. #on the jack handle or in your glove box.if not you will get a complete set up get the tire down with needle nose pilers than you need to take the winch off and swap out the lock need more info .let me know.
fitter565 - Thanks for the advise. I have checked everywhere you mentioned for the key and can't find it. I don't have a "bag" anywhere like you mentioned. My jack/spare tire tools are all stored in the engine compartment forward of the Radiator.
mck2000 - I did go a head and get a new key and lock cylinder for the spare tire. Can you explain to me how to get the spare tire lowered so I can get at the winch assy. You mentioned lowering the spare tire with needle nose pliers, how is that accomplished? I can't even get my arm/hands in above the tire to get at anything. Thanks.
I has a similar problem, but my spare was not installed. I was able to remove the 4 bolts holding the spare wheel carrier and then on the bench pull out the old lock, install the new and replace. If you cannot see the 4 bolts because of the spare wheel, try to pull out the plastic alignment tube, and with your 3rd arm and channel locks pull out the old lock.
Hope this info helps, it also helps if you can put the truck on a hoist.
just a reminder that those keys get stuck in the cylinder in the tube maybe put you rod in and try to lower the tire if it is in there you can return your stuff? i've got a 03 cc with a key stuck in the lock cylinder !
madrick, let the air out of the tire than see if you can get in there.if you get it started down.dont let it go to the ground block it up.just get enough slack to get it unhooked.like phoney said remove the plastic funnel thing mine just pulled off.if you still cant to lock then you need to get a old socket with a long extension and try to jam it on.good luck.
Thanks for all the assistance with this subject. I ended up going to the dealer and purchasing a new key and lock cylinder and had them get the spare tire down and they changed the lock cylinder. Total charges were $80.00 labor and parts. Don't know how they got the spare tire down.
I ran into this same problem yesterday. I was installing a receiver hitch on my 2000 Ranger 4 X 4, and the first step was to drop the spare. I looked for the key for the lock, and it wasn't there. I called my local Ford Parts Dept, and the guy says "No problem, they're all keyed the same." That proved to be false - I bought a replacement lock & key assy for $13, and the key didn't work.
After looking at the lock assy, I saw that the lock was engaged by two lugs that were attached by a rivet-looking center shaft - kinda like a desk lock. To make a long story short, I used a 1/4 in drill bit to drill through the center of the lock. That didn't free it, so I went in with a 3/8 in bit. The lock popped out, and I lowered the spare.
I'm going to try to return the unused lock tomorrow. I can't imagine why I'd need to lock the tire when it takes a special tool to lower it anyway. (Just glad I haven't needed the spare in an emergency.)