Sorry if this is an overly dumb question but this is my first truck.

Bought a 05 Fx4 a few months back. I planned to check on the FPDM and put my key in the spare tire lock. Nothing doesnt budge. Seems like it isnt even the right key. Tried spraying in some WD-40 still nothing.

AM I missing some super simple step, or can these things seize? If so what is my next step? I want to get it fixed not just for the FPDM but also if I actually have a flat and need the spare.

Thanks,

 

Are you talking about the one next to the license plate? Should just use your ignition key. They are a real basic lock, probably could pound it out from the back side.

 

They can seize.

Take the e clip off the back side to remove.

Then you can take it apart and free it up.

 

Mine is a little touchy but works with the ignition key....have to wiggle it a bit.

Like Cooper stated, if you can't get it out then remove it from the bumper via the backside of the lock. It just fills the hole that gives you access to the drop down cable for the spare tire.

 

Thanks I will have to take some time and get under there to check out the back. Mine is frozen solid because I was using my ignition key and it was acting like the wrong key wouldnt budge.

Thanks for the tip.

 

Its made of cheap metal, its rusted on. It won't come off unless you pry it out from the back. You need a new one. My '04 was like that and my '07 is the same I can't get it off.

 

I have the same problem. I attempted to take off the spare tire, but didn't get to far. My ignition key wouldn't even slide much more than half way into the bumper lock. It must be all coroded.

Did you all have your problem resolved? What did you do?

 

i ended up with this problem on my previous 06. i ended up getting it off after a bunch of wd 40 and time... its one of those things I recommend taking off ever few months and spraying with WD40 or some other grease to prevent from seizing up.

 

might not want to use w-d40 it may gum up the tumblers try a graphite dry grease made for locks

 

I meant on the outside to keep it from rusting to the bumper

 

could try a thin layer of a good grease i like lucas red and tacky

 

What is the theft rate on Spare Tires? Has anybody ever had one stolen ever?

 

Actually it used to occur quite frequently. Hence the incorporation of the lock into the design. Same with the tailgates.

 

Had this same problem when I went to swap my spare for one of the bigger size I have on the ground.

Went under the truck, soaked it with PB Blaster, let it sit for a while.

Came back a while later, grabbed my big vise-grips, locked them onto it on the backside under the truck, and cranked the thing around, 90 degrees if I recall correctly. Once I did that, took my BFH and gave it a couple wacks from the backside, popped right out.

Threw that thing in the garbage.

Glad I didn't encounter this on the side of the road with a flat.

 

Call me paranoid, but I have a question...
Is it possible to make a key from the spare tire lock?
Mine was stolen yesterday, and I want to make sure they didn't take it to try and make a key somehow. Thanks for the feedback.