Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire lock. If so, the key is located in the glove compartment.

Lower the spare tire.
1. Insert the drive end of the jack handle with the spare tire carrier key attached through the opening left of the license plate.
2. Turn the jack handle until slack is present in the cable.
  
  Fig 1: Lowering Spare Tire
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the spare tire.
1. Slide the retainer through the center of the spare tire assembly.
2. Remove the spare tire assembly.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Spare Tire Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the guide tube.

Fig 3: Removing Guide Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts and the spare tire carrier.
- Turn the spare tire carrier to release it from the tabs.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Bolts And Spare Tire Carrier
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Pull out the spare tire carrier lock.

Fig 5: Pulling Out Spare Tire Carrier Lock
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.