Removing the spare tire without the key

I bought my 1st gen and didn't realize the key for the spare wasn't included. I'm pressed for time and the dealership said they wouldn't be able to get it to me for another 2 weeks. Has anyone gotten the tire off without using that spare tire key?

 

Any tire shop will have an assortment of them. They’ll drop it for you.

 

My second gen doesn't require a key.

 

Probably find one at a salvage yard

 

is the OP wanting to know about the special key some must have to remove the tire and not the standard extension on the removal tool
i guess that some were equipped with anti-theft keys but this is new to me so i dunno

 

Nevermind, I used a piece of pipe with a small flat welded in the middle. Here's another users picture of what the socket looks like.

 

According to the below you can pry off the cylinder that the key interfaces with and it will leave the regular slotted gear exposed; you should be able to find something to stick into that slotted gear to turn and lower the tire.

 

If your truck came with an anti theft key lock like mine you can only get that from Toyota.

Depending on the dealership the parts department will carry 8 or 10 different anti thief lock keys.

You can go there and have them find the correct key by trying each key on your lock and order it or cut it off and get one from
the salvage yard with no anti theft key for 25.00 or possibly pry it off

 

I believe it was a dealer installed option?



I had one but when they did the TSB for the carrier the tech never re-installed the lock. basically told me anyone with a large flat head screwdriver/tire iron can pop off the cone and get it off anyway

if you want one, they are inexpensive:

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofcons...oyota-wheel-spare-tire-lock-pt27634071?c=az0x

there is a different version (newer) but it seems to only "fit" the 2016+

 

Yup, they make 8 different key patterns so You have to try them all out at the dealership to know which one fits.

It’s not on the vin info,
Been here done this.

 

Good info, fellas. Sounds like OP should just pop it off and move on with his life

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/spare-tire-lock-removal-question.47477/

older post, use a pry bar

 

using the photo that frizzman posted as a guide... the outer portion of the housing that holds the clover key can be removed... I forget if it is roll pin retained or just dimpeled on. Then the normal lowering tool can be used.

 

Is the key part of the housing looking thing and comes off together

 

I found what I was looking for... I have a posting about putting a JDM motor in a Double cab and toward the end of it I have pictures of what it is you are trying to do.

 

I installed a piece of 1 1/2 PVC pipe going from the opening at the bumper to the lowering mechanism, so that you don't have to fight getting it aligned. Reason: only ever had one flat on the highway, and in the dark it was a 30 minute chore getting that thing lowered!!

 

Thanks for all the info and advice people! I will be popping this bad boy off today!