How to Lower the Spare Tire on a 1997 Ford Explorer

The 1997 Ford Explorer was equipped with either a full size or compact spare tire. The spare is located under the rear end of the truck body. The spare is lowered using the included tire removal tools.

Instructions

1. Remove the jack handle from under the rear seat and the lug wrench from the side panel in the cargo area where the jack is stowed.

2. Connect the jack handle to the lug wrench by putting the square end of the jack handle through the matching opening in the lug wrench, forming a handle.

3. Open the rear hatch of the Explorer to expose the actuator hole just above the rear bumper.

4. Insert the jack handle into the actuator hole until it engages with the spare tire lowering mechanism.

5. Turn the jack handle using the lug wrench in a clockwise direction, lowering the spare tire to the ground. Crank out enough cable to pull the spare tire to the back of the Explorer and unhook the cable from the tire.

Tips & Warnings

• As the jack handle is inserted into the actuation hold, rock the handle back and forth slightly to ensure it is well engaged in the spare tire lowering mechanism.

References

• Manualspace.com: Ford Explorer 1997 Owner's Manual, page 151.