2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 462

Follow these instructions to lower the spare tire: Secondary Latch System Your vehicle has an underbody mounted tire hoist assembly equipped with a secondary latch system. It's designed to stop the spare tire from falling off your vehicle. For the secondary latch to work, the spare must be installed with the valve stem pointing down. See "Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools" for instructions on storing the spare . flat tire correctly. 1 . If the vehicle is equipped with a hoist lock, open the spare tire lock cover on the bumper and use the ignition key to remove the lock. 2. Assemble the wheel wrench and the two jack handle extensions as shown. Insert the hoist end (open end) of the extension through the hole in the rear bumper. Be sure the hoist end of the extension connects into the hoist shaft. 3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground. Continue to turn the wheel wrench until the spare can be pulled out from tire under the vehicle. The wheel wrench has a hook that allows you to the hoist cable towards you, to pull assist in reaching thespare tire. If the spare tire does not lower to the ground, secondary latch is the engaged, causingthe tire not to lower. See "Secondary Latch System''next. 4. When the tire has been lowered, tilt the retainer at the end of the cable so it can be pulled up through the wheel opening. Before beginning this procedure read all the instructions. Failure to read and follow the instructions could damage the hoist assembly and you and others could get hurt. Read and follow the instructions listed below. 5. Put the spare tire near the flat tire. 5-87