4runner spare tire and sensor light ??

[pacho]

If I remove the 4runner spare tire and just store elsewhere, e.g. garage, will it trigger some sort of sensor or light on the 4runner dashboard ?? if so, is there a way to trick the sensor so it will turn off ?
the reason i asked is because, i read in another thread about spare tires being stolen , and im not really satisfied with the anti-theft fixes proposed., and i would hate paying a lot of money to replace the spare tire assembly.

I have been driving my tacoma since 1998 without a spare tire underneath(it was stolen), and i just rely on a cheap cigarette lighter powered tire inflator for small punctures and call friends or tow truck for the big punctures(happened only once or twice). when i go to a remote area is the only time i throw the spare tire in the flatbed.

 

[Froggy]

If I remove the 4runner spare tire and just store elsewhere, e.g. garage, will it trigger some sort of sensor or light on the 4runner dashboard . . . .

No .

 

[phillyd2]

There is no TPMS in the spare so you are gtg.

 

[05Rrunner]

My 2005 4ruuner Sport had it in the spare and I found it to be very useful, But that extra sensor costs money and is not required by law so bye bye

 

[NoDak]

4th gen had em, but the 5th gen do not if i remember correctly.

 

[LandCruiser]

I gave my spare to my dealer to mount a new tire and picked it up the next day.

No light, and there wasn't a TPMS sensor in the wheel.

 

[pacho]

thanks for the replies. I just noticed yesterday that the spare tire on the 2014 4runners are held up by chains whereas the old posts in this forum on older 4runners had their spare tires held up by a cable.

so, would you say that a chain is better than a cable as far as preventing or lessening spare tire robbery ??

I really hope so coz I would rather leave my spare tire on than storing it in the garage. any thoughts ?

 

[SigSense]

that a chain is better than a cable as far as preventing or lessening spare tire robbery ??

I really hope so coz I would rather leave my spare tire on than storing it in the garage. any thoughts ?

The chain verses cable has nothing to do with securing the spare, they are the methods by which it is lowered to the ground. If you want to secure/lock up the spare, then you'll need to install MORE chain or cable. Like this:


Trimax ST30 Trimaflex Spare Tire Cable Lock (Round Key) 36" x 12mm : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Jeremy556]

Is it possible to lower the spare without opening the rear hatch?

 

[thebwlife]

Is it possible to lower the spare without opening the rear hatch?

Not without destroying the lifting mechanism.

 

[pacho]

I understand that part, but wont they need the OEM 4runner jack handle to lower the tire ? or can a thief use any jack handle work ? i just started reading the manual, and it mentions using the jack handle to lower the spare tire.

The chain verses cable has nothing to do with securing the spare, they are the methods by which it is lowered to the ground. If you want to secure/lock up the spare, then you'll need to install MORE chain or cable. Like this:


Trimax ST30 Trimaflex Spare Tire Cable Lock (Round Key) 36" x 12mm : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[1engineer]

Man I have to ask: You need to remove your spare because of theives. In another thread you are looking for free GPS for vehicle monitoring. Do you live in a bad neighborhood or what?

 

[pacho]

LOLs, thanks for asking. I'm just one of those guys who would get extremely upset if something was stolen from me.
ok, I went underneath and I observed the spare tire is held up by an arm with holes along its length through which you can insert the security cable. I took a rope and looped it through and measure the length needed. Looks like one needs a 3 feet cable for one turn around the side of the spare tire through the holding arm so I suppose two 3 foot security cables for the left and right side of the holding arm will give some "visual" deterrent. a not-too-fat chain should also fit through the holes of the arm and the spare tire if you prefer that to a cable(better measure the hole diameter first)

Man I have to ask: You need to remove your spare because of theives. In another thread you are looking for free GPS for vehicle monitoring. Do you live in a bad neighborhood or what?

l

 

[SigSense]

wont they need the OEM 4runner jack handle to lower the tire ? or can a thief use any jack handle work ? i just started reading the manual, and it mentions using the jack handle to lower the spare tire.

Most Toyota SUV/truck spare tire lowering rods are the same.