Can't find the hole

[100bajan]

LOL, I recently got my 03 V6 Sports Edition and I am familiarizing my self with the vehicle. I was trying to get the spare tire out so I would know what to do in case I needed to change it, and I can't find the hole to turn the extension to be able to lower it. I found the one in the bumper, but I can't seem to navigate the extension to the right spot.
I know I am going to get some heat for not being able to find the hole

 

[Atlanta_man]

it can be a real pain
does not have to go very far
best to have a look underneath and keep trying

 

[Pepedog11]

It is under the hatch back. It must be open to see the hole.

 

[Mytoy4]

Unscrew things gently

 

[100bajan]

I looked underneath and had no idea what I was looking at!! couldn't see much with the tire there or maybe I didn't know what I was looking for! I opened the hatch and I saw the hole that the extension has to go through, when I put it in I am not finding the female part that matches up......:lol:

 

[settytb]

That's what she said....

On a serious note, it goes in diagnally toward the center of the vehicle...the hole is off to the left some... so it goes / kinda like that. Hope that helps.

 

[08T4R]

Is your extension long enough?

 

[jow]

W/O the spare the mechanics on my 07, V6 looks like the attachment. I have seen post that referred to restriction due to rust issues (related to areas where salt etc causes rusting issues). I wonder if rust or etc is blocking “Your Hole”? I would suggest lightly bumping the Hole with the extension or a long screw driver in diagonal corners by feel. To try and locate and get inserted or enough traction to lower the spare (to inspect/work the Hole closer if you feel rust is an issue). Meanwhile we’ll come up with a better term vs Hole (Spot, Insert, Socket), “Receiver”!!!

 

[100bajan]

I like "hole"!!!!!! But seriously, I was also wondering if it is a rust issue as well, the vehicle is originally from Chicago, and it has some rusty screws and clamps. I will try tapping inside the hole and even spraying some WD-40/PB blaster. I would just hate to be stuck somewhere and can't get the spare down.

 

[100bajan]

Is your extension long enough?

I used all that came in the bag, amazingly they look brand new!!

 

[jow]

I’ll suggest you get a section of 3/8” or ½” round steel related to the extension’s size. Gind it about 3/4” from the end to a point, leaving it square as you grind from the end. Hammering lightly, this might go in and give you enough traction to get the spare down. There was a related post on this matter 6 mo to a yr ago. That was able to get the spare down for the maintenance w/o cutting the cable or drilling to rem. Good luck, Lub Helps! LOL.

 

[earthrealm]

insert the tire release mechanism...only the first joint, spray wd40/mystery oil or any good fluid down the pipe 'hole' that shud direct the fluid to the exact spot, and prolly free it up