Just another WHAT IS IT thread

[tallyho8]

I bought this 2012 Ford F150 new and have had it all this time without ever seeing this before. I just saw it today for the first time and don't know what the heck it is. I am too lazy to look for the manual to see if it is in there because I know there is someone on this forum that knows and will tell me. My key that came with the truck goes in the keyhole but won't turn it. So, What is it?

 

[George2615]

I bought this 2012 Ford F150 new and have had it all this time without ever seeing this before. I just saw it today for the first time and don't know what the heck it is. I am too lazy to look for the manual to see if it is in there because I know there is someone on this forum that knows and will tell me. My key that came with the truck goes in the keyhole but won't turn it. So, What is it?

It is the access point to you spare tire. Put your ignition key in and turn counter clockwise to remove the lock. Then you have to dig out your jack handle bars (mine were under the rear seat) and connect all the bars together and insert fully thru the hole. Then unwind to lower your spare wheel / tire from between the frame.
As you bought it new and haven't changed the ignition lock the key should work. May need some lube / penetrant oil to free it up. Its been sitting for 12 years.

 

[whitenorth]

Put the ignition key in, turn it and pull. It should come out if not rusted in. Behind it is the tunnel that guides the rod to the crank that lowers the spare tire.

 

[Jstpssng]

That's where you access your spare tire. My crappy Internet won't let me see the full picture, but it appears you have a lock on it which must be removed before accessing

 

[tallyho8]

THANKS! I knew I would get a quick reply. I have never removed my spare so I knew nothing about it. I will try some WD40 in the hole and see if it frees up enough to turn.

 

[Jstpssng]

You may just do what I did this fall when my 2019 company Tundra had a not-so-slow leak. I am the third user but the first to drop the spare... only to discover a 2 ply tire on a temporary rim. I cranked it back up, aired the slack tire and ran to the tire store for 4 brand new rubbers.

 

[Hay Dude]

You may just do what I did this fall when my 2019 company Tundra had a not-so-slow leak. I am the third user but the first to drop the spare... only to discover a 2 ply tire on a temporary rim. I cranked it back up, aired the slack tire and ran to the tire store for 4 brand new rubbers.

What do prophylactics have to do with a flat tire?

 

[Jstpssng]

What do prophylactics have to do with a flat tire?

You tell me. I was trying to find another word for tires... and I'm sure that most people knew what I meant.

 

[dodge man]

That has absolutely nothing to do with your spare tire it unleashes another 150 horsepower.

 

[oosik]

The Taco Wagon has basically the same setup - without the lock. I lowered the spare down a bit to clean around it - this summer.

Man - I sure hope I never have a flat. That big 'ol tire is very heavy.

I question the need for a lock on the spare tire "system". I just can't picture somebody squatting down and operating the lift system just to steal the spare tire.