Need key for locking spare tire mount
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 1
Need key for locking spare tire mount
My truck has the locking spare tire mount from the factory, but the key didn't come with the truck. I went by a dealership and was told they didn't sell them, they could only break the lock off. It seems like the key would be available somewhere, so I wanted to see if any of you have run into this problem before. Thanks in advance for the help.
Bob
Bob
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 10
From: Parker, CO
My truck has the locking spare tire mount from the factory, but the key didn't come with the truck. I went by a dealership and was told they didn't sell them, they could only break the lock off. It seems like the key would be available somewhere, so I wanted to see if any of you have run into this problem before. Thanks in advance for the help.
Bob
Bob
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 502
Likes: 3
From: The Pas, MB, Canada
If you find yourself needing that spare right now, just pull off the guide tube that runs from the bumper to the spare tire winch, then use a flat blade screwdriver to pop off that part of the winch that needs the key.
After you pop that little piece out you can raise or lower your winch with the pieces that are under your hood.
After you pop that little piece out you can raise or lower your winch with the pieces that are under your hood.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 7
From: Anchorage, AK
If you find yourself needing that spare right now, just pull off the guide tube that runs from the bumper to the spare tire winch, then use a flat blade screwdriver to pop off that part of the winch that needs the key.
After you pop that little piece out you can raise or lower your winch with the pieces that are under your hood.
After you pop that little piece out you can raise or lower your winch with the pieces that are under your hood.
My Ford dealership sold me the wrong freaking key/lock set (they come in pairs), even after a mechanic unlocked it for me and showed the parts guy the key.
I got home and realized I had the wrong key so I just got under the truck and popped out the old lock and put in the new one. Cost me about 25 bucks.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,837
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Good info. The one time I have had a flat, a buddy with an F250 let me use his spare because I didn't have the key. Doubtful that I will be so lucky the next time. Good to know the lock can be popped off with a screwdriver. Makes me wonder why they even put a lock on there if its so easy to break off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
They put the lock on there so nobody can steal you spare tire.
The dealership is snowing you. If the parts guys are giving you gruff, you can at least have the service guys drop the tire for you, then bust the lock off later. The parts department can get you a new one for $25-30 (just bring in your VIN numbers so they can determine which key you need). Or you can bust the lock off and never need it again. Seriously, how big is the steel spare wheel and crappy spare tire black market? And is it worth to the would-be thief to spend the time to carry the tools and walk around a parking lot trying to drop spares? Plus they'd need a trailer to haul them all away. Doesn't seem very lucrative to me, which is probably why I've never had mine stolen. Ever.
IMO, have a dealership drop your tire for you, then bust the lock when you have the chance and you'll never have to worry about losing the adapter again. If I can live in the second highest auto crime city in the country and not have my spare stolen, chances are you're pretty safe to leave spare unlocked too...
Just my .02
The dealership is snowing you. If the parts guys are giving you gruff, you can at least have the service guys drop the tire for you, then bust the lock off later. The parts department can get you a new one for $25-30 (just bring in your VIN numbers so they can determine which key you need). Or you can bust the lock off and never need it again. Seriously, how big is the steel spare wheel and crappy spare tire black market? And is it worth to the would-be thief to spend the time to carry the tools and walk around a parking lot trying to drop spares? Plus they'd need a trailer to haul them all away. Doesn't seem very lucrative to me, which is probably why I've never had mine stolen. Ever.
IMO, have a dealership drop your tire for you, then bust the lock when you have the chance and you'll never have to worry about losing the adapter again. If I can live in the second highest auto crime city in the country and not have my spare stolen, chances are you're pretty safe to leave spare unlocked too...
Just my .02
