How do I get to my spare tire if release cable won't come down?

SOURCE: replacing spare tire winch 2004 chev trailblazer

I have a '02 TrailBlazer and I had the same problem. When I got a flat and went to change the tire on the side of the road I was not able to get the tire off the winch. Luckly, I have AAA and the driver knew the trick to getting the tire free. The process involved lowering the tire as far as it would go and then kicking it. Wind back up and repeat until the winch free's itself.

When I took the car into the shop to get the tire fixed and the have the spare put back on the car, they were not able to get the winch free enough to put the tire back on. They said that is is a common problem with this mechanism and suggested replacing the winch system (estmated parts and labor $215). From what I can tell the winch accumulates rust up in the cable and locks up.

SOURCE: Release the spare tire, please...

Hole in bumper use rod from jack, Just turn a couple times. Then there is a Push button under the truck in the center of the spare. Push the spring loaded button, Then let the rest of the cable down to get the spare from under truck.

SOURCE: 2004 suburban spare tire will not release from under vehicle

This may sound funny but unwind the cable to the ground lie on your back and kick the spare tire until you free it.

Harvey N Tawatao

• 3854 Answers
• Posted on Jun 29, 2009

SOURCE: Safty lock for spare tire on 2003 chevy silverado

Check your owners manual .There is a saftey catch that will need to be realased by using your bottle jack and tire stops that come with your truck. If you dont have a owners manual. What you can try is taking a floor jack and a socket place it under the spairtire right in the center where the cable holds the tire in place. start jacking it up until the socket hits the square part in the center once the socket is aligned with the square part continue to jack up it should release it . Its a stupid system but it will work if the cable wont allow the tire to drop. good luck and keep me posted.

SOURCE: The cable for the spare tire on my 2006 1500 works

1. Rotate the hoist shaft counterclockwise until approximately 15 cm (6 in) of cable (1) is exposed.
2. While holding the latch pin (3), fully depress the latch button (2) and release the secondary latch from the hoist assembly. Some side-to-side and/or up-and-down movement may be necessary to disengage the latch mechanism.
3. Continue rotating the hoist shaft counterclockwise in order to lower the hoist the rest of the way.
4. If this does not release the secondary latch, the spare tire hoist will need to be replaced. See the following procedure.