2002 Mercury Mountaineer Owner Guide 6th Printing - Page 218

Roadside emergencies Removing the spare tire Do not use an impact wrench on the winch drive nut. This will damage the spare tire winch. 1. Open the cover from the carpeting on cargo floor to expose the winch drive nut. 2. Insert the lug wrench on the winch drive nut. The wrench will stop moving and forward resistance to turning will be felt when properly engaged. 3. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until tire is lowered to the ground making sure the other end of the wrench does not scuff kick plate, the tire can be slid rearward and the cable is slightly slack. 4. Lift tire on one side and remove the retainer from the spare tire. Tire change procedure To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be seriously injured. 218