Secondary Latch System
Your vehicle has an underbody-mounted tire
hoist assembly equipped with a secondary latch
system. It is designed to stop the spare tire
from suddenly falling off the vehicle if the cable
holding the spare tire is damaged. For the
secondary latch to work, the tire must be
stowed with the valve stem pointing down.
SeeStoring a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on
page 380for instructions on storing the spare
tire correctly.
{CAUTION:
Before beginning this procedure read all
the instructions. Failure to read and follow
the instructions could damage the hoist
assembly and you and others could get
hurt. Read and follow the instructions
listed next.To release the spare tire from the secondary latch:
{CAUTION:
Someone standing too close during the
procedure could be injured by the jack.
If the spare tire does not slide off the jack
completely, make sure no one is behind
you or on either side of you as you pull
the jack out from the under spare.
1. Check under the vehicle to see if the cable
end is visible.
If the cable is not
visible, start this
procedure at Step 6.
377
9. Tilt the retainer at the end of the cable and
pull it through the wheel opening. Pull the
tire out from under the vehicle.
Notice:If you drive away before the spare tire
or secondary latch system cable has been
reinstalled, you could damage your vehicle.
Always reinstall this cable before driving
your vehicle.
10. If the cable is hanging under the vehicle,
turn the wheel wrench in the hoist shaft
hole in the bumper clockwise to raise the
cable back up.
Have the hoist assembly inspected as soon as
you can. You will not be able to store a spare or
flat tire using the hoist assembly until it has
been repaired or replaced.
To continue changing the flat tire, return to Step 4
ofRemoving the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire on page 370.Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in the
proper place.
1. Put the tire on the ground at the rear of the
vehicle with the valve stem pointed down.
380