ccarmichael

My truck has this lockable spare 'feature' which probably works better when you have the key. Before I find myself stranded with a flat and no way to access my spare, is it possible to defeat this without the key?

Yes, I know the point is for it NOT to be defeated, but I suspect it's more of a deterrent than a fully secure thing. Can it be punched out with enough effort?

I assume Ford can cut me a key -- but I imagine that will be more expensive than it should be.

FortKnox

I believe you use the same key that starts the truck to access the spare.

ccarmichael

I tried that and it doesn't fit - though if the consensus here is that it should, I'll try again. When I tried, I couldn't even get it in the slot so I assumed it was a different key (like the old trunk keys), but if it's been sitting unused for 7 years, it may just need some convincing.

leopold

If you want it out crawl under the truck and look at the lock cylinder from the back side. All that holds them is a e clip holding a u shaped piece. Just remove the e clip and the other piece and the lock cylinder will come out.

RaptoRx7

It should be the same key... Mine was hard to turn just now... You can see the rust... Spray it with some lube...
I did have a buddy whose lock was not keyed right from the factory, it was one of the first things I checked when I bought my truck...

RaptoRx7

Picture of e-clip as mentioned above...

Cbking

Mine was rusted solid. I reached up to it with a channel locks to turned it. This also breaks off the ears/clips. I then just grabbed it from the front with the channel locks and pulled it out. I've had to do this on both my 04 and 09

KLG

Yep, that lock uses your ignition key.

On my 2006 F150 XLT, once each year, I removed lock assembly and lubricated. I did this in conjunction with an inspection of the spare. I just used WD40 to clean and lubricate the lock assembly.

For my 2014, one of the first things I did after taking delivery, was to check the spare and while doing so, I cleaned and lubricated the lock assembly.


If yours is not too far gone, saturating with WD40 might free it up.

--KG--

ccarmichael

Thanks everyone! I think I'll wait until it's not a million degrees below freezing before trying again.

130428

thanks for reminding me to check it before we head through the Rockies tomorrow (and yes, the ignition key is the one, but that lock can be a b**ch to take out / put back in)