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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.
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2. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until
approximately 6 inches (15 cm) of cable
is exposed.
3. Connect the jack handle (A) and jack handle
extension (B) together and press the retention
clip (arrow) so it engages.4. Attach the jack handle/jack handle extension
to the jack. With the UP mark facing you,
slide the ratchet onto the end of the jack
handle extension.
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5. Place the jack under the vehicle, ahead of the
rear bumper. Position the center lift point of
the jack under the center of the spare tire and
turn the handle clockwise to raise the jack
until it lifts the secondary latch spring.
6. Keep raising the jack until the spare tire stops
moving upward and is held firmly in place.
This lets you know that the secondary
latch has released. The spare tire is now
balancing on the jack.7. Lower the jack by turning the ratchet
counterclockwise. Keep lowering the jack
until the spare tire slides off the jack or
is hanging by the cable.
8. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack and
carefully remove the jack. Use one hand to
push against the spare while firmly pulling the
jack out from under the spare tire with the
other hand.
If the spare tire is hanging from the cable,
slide the ratchet onto the wheel wrench
and insert the wheel wrench into the hoist
shaft hole above the bumper. Turn the
wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
the spare the rest of the way. Be sure the
DOWN mark on the ratchet is facing you.
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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.
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2. Pull the retaining bar through the center of the
wheel, making sure it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rear of the vehicle,
keeping the cable tight.
4. With the UP side facing you, attach the
ratchet to the wheel wrench.
5. Put the flat end of the wheel wrench on an
angle through the hole in the rear door
frame, above the bumper.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of
the vehicle. Continue turning the ratchet until
the tire is secure and the cable is tight.
The spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened.7. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push,
pull (A), and then try to turn (B) the tire. If the
tire moves, use the ratchet to tighten the cable.
You will hear two clicks when the tire is up all
the way.
8. Return the jacking equipment to the proper
location. Secure the items and replace the
jack cover.
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