03 Town & Country Spare Tire Woes

I have a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country in need of a tire change.

I've followed the instructions per the manual - I rotate the winch and
the cable drops - unfortunately the tire doesn't. The plastic piece
that holds the tire up is loose, but will not budge - even after some
somewhat aggressive shaking. I've tried prying it loose, but no luck.
I've also tried tightening and loosening the winch several times. I'd
rather not purchase another spare if I can avoid it, my other car's
spare is too small for the minivan.

Any ideas, or should I just give up.

cheers

raywiggins

 

why not take it to a shop and have them repair the problem??????????????

 

There is a rube goldberg safety device (no doubt demanded by our wonderful
government) and if you live in the snow belt the damn thing will alwys give
up. You need to crawl under the van and you will see a nylon center piece
holding the spare and look above the spare you will see a "catch". Place a
long thin screwdriver to pull it away (make sure you support the tire!) or
you will break your nose!

 

The spare tire winch may have a pin broken and will not allow the cable to
unwind.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

That did it. Thanx! I don't usually have temper tantrums with cars,
but this one got me pretty close.

cheers

raywiggins