Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If the vehicle is equipped with a spare tire stowage lock cylinder, open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the ignition key to remove the lock.

Fig 1: Opening Spare Tire Lock Cover On Bumper
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Use only hand tools to lower and raise the spare tire hoist assembly. Do not use air tools. The use of air tools at high speeds will damage the spare tire hoist assembly.
Turn the hoist shaft counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground. Continue to turn the hoist shaft until the spare tire can be pulled out from under the vehicle and removed. If the spare tire does not lower to the ground, the secondary latch is engaged causing the tire not to lower.
If the secondary latch is engaged and the cable end is visible, perform the following procedure:
1. Tighten the cable by turning the hoist shaft clockwise until you hear two clicks or feel it skip twice. You cannot overtighten the cable.
2. Loosen the cable by turning the hoist shaft counterclockwise 3 or 4 turns.
  
  Fig 2: Removing Spare Tire And Wheel
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. If the spare tire can be lowered, repeat steps 1 and 2 to see if the spare tire can be removed.
4. If the spare tire cannot be lowered, turn the hoist shaft counterclockwise until approximately 15 cm (6 in) of cable is exposed.
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
6. Place a transmission jack, or equivalent, under the spare tire.
7. Position the center of the transmission jack under the secondary latch release button at the center of the spare tire. Arrange the arms of the transmission jack so they will support the tire after it has been released.
8. Raise the jack until the spare tire stops moving upward and is firmly held in place, releasing the secondary latch.
9. Lower the tire. If the spare tire is hanging by the cable, turn the hoist shaft counterclockwise until the tire is low enough to remove.
If the secondary latch is engaged and the cable end is not visible, perform the following procedure:
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
2. Place a transmission jack, or equivalent, under the spare tire.
3. Position the center of the transmission jack under the secondary latch release button at the center of the spare tire. Arrange the arms of the transmission jack so they will support the tire after it has been released.
4. Raise the jack until the spare tire stops moving upward and is firmly held in place, releasing the secondary latch.
5. Lower the tire and remove it from the jack.
Raise and support the vehicle if it is not already raised. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the spare tire hoist guide retaining clips from the bumper (1).

Fig 3: Removing Spare Tire Hoist Guide Retaining
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the spare tire hoist shaft guide (2) from the bumper.

Fig 4: Removing Spare Tire Hoist Shaft Guide From Bumper
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the spare tire hoist shaft guide from the spare tire hoist.

Fig 5: Removing Spare Tire Hoist Shaft Guide From Spare Tire Hoist
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolt.
Remove the hoist from the bracket.

Fig 6: Removing Hoist From Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.