So, if our trucks supposedly have wheel locks, why was the AAA guy able to take the wheel off without a problem?

I was never given either the wheel lock key or spare tire key when I bought the truck.

 

Most likely because AAA has a master type of key. You don't say if you bought your truck new or not. If it was new, usually the key is in the glove box, otherwise you can pick up a new key at a Ford dealer. Good luck.

 

yes they come with wheel locks, have you looked at your lugs ? maybe yours where taken off at the dealer for someone else ....

the lock was in glove box or tool bag..I dont remember which.

gone have to ask the AAA guy the other question.

 

Reading this is like deja vu!


Last Tuesday, I spun the L sideways after hitting a pothole while changing lanes. I slide off the road and down an embankment. While I'm very thankful that the truck didn't hit one of the trees on its way offroad, I did blow out the front tire when I hit the curb.

I go to change the tire, and discover that apparently, all 2002 F-series came with a lock on the spare. THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN THE LOCKING LUG NUTS. It's a little key that fits over the crank tool that lowers the spare.

Long story short, I never got the key. Ford Roadside Assistance had to tow me on a flatbed to the nearest dealer, who didn't have the key either, but fixed my rim for me.

If you're in Chicago, don't buy from HAWKINSON FORD in Oak Lawn. They're awful. And now they aren't returning my calls about getting me a key. BTW, they also never gave me the locking lugs that come with all SVTs. I had to fight them for those, and now this key missing PISSES ME OFF.

 

I bought my truck from the used lot and both keys were in the glove compartment, I guess I was lucky.

 

Damn, I need to go check cause I've never seen the key for the spare. Thanks for posting.

 

Look at your installed lugnuts and see if each wheel ever had the locks installed. A decent original dealer installs the locks, puts the extra 4 non-locking lugs and the lug and spare puzzle keys in the glovebox.

 

the new '03s & new '04s I've seen all had the 4-locks, 1key & spare tire key all in the glovebox. Locks not installed.

In 2002 Ford began to put them in with all Lightnings. Standard equipment 2002-2004.

 

The Lightning does not come standard with wheel locks. The dealer can either choose to install them at no cost while it's on the lot, or they can sell you the locks when you buy the truck. If your truck has locks, one of your lugs will look like it has a puzzle shaped pattern cut into it. If all 5 lugs are the same hex type, you do not have locks.

The wheel key is put in the vehicle by the new car prep guy, so it can be anywhere. I've seen them in the glovebox, the ashtry, the rear storage containers, or sometimes you get a plastic bag that has it in it, that can also be in any of those spots as well as under the seat with the jack. The spare key will also be in that bag usually if you have one.

 

FWIW, my '03 came off the trailer and the keys went into my hand. nobody else at the dealership touched it. no salesman, no cleanup dept, nobody. the car hauler guy and then me.

it has wheel locks and a key in the glove box. they came from ford. I also had a key for the spare in the glovebox in a seperate bag. I think some dealers new car inspection guys install the locks, some leave them in the glove box, and I'm sure some throw them on their tool cart.

just my input.

later,
chris

 

Hmm ok. Maybe Ford started putting them on then. It must have been for 03/04 if so, because I know they def weren't standard on 99-02s. If they came from Ford, then like Chris said it will have a plastic bag in the truck with the key in it.

 

I agree with Sal on that. I bought my 02 used and the guy who sold it to me was the original owner and said it did not have locks.

 

my truck did not have them

 

I bought my 2002 Lightning in November 2003. There were no locking lugs w/key OR key to the spare when I took delivery (it was a demo). I had to call SVT, get them on the phone with my @ssmonkey dealership, and confirm that ALL 2002 Lightnings left the factory with a set of locking lugs in the glove compartment. My dealer uncheerfully replaced them for me.

Had I known about the locking spare, I would have had them take care of it then.

 

I have a '02 and came with locking lugnut in a bag with my trailerplug stuff sealed from Ford.
Mike