Lowering the Spare Can't be this Hard - 01 LX

[Koda]

I'm trying to lower the spare on my '01 LX. I popped off the cap on the bumper, inserted the jack hook, just like in the manual but it won't catch. I reached way under the vehicle on top of the spare and I can feel the cone into which the hook is supposed to go along with the slots in the cone where the hook catches. However, there is another piece inside the cone, that spins freely but doesn't pop out. This piece is blocking the hook from setting properly in the cone.
What am I missing here? This can't be so difficult.
I searched and found one post that mentioned the LX having a "key adaptor" but my manual says nothing about that and I can't find anything. Fortunately I'm doing this in the garage, not the woods. Thanks, Kevin

 

[lt403]

you should be able to see the engagement of the hook into the slot through the hole in the bumper. once it's in it should be a matter of turning and it should lower your tire

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Somewhere along the way, someone installed a spare tire lock. It's a Lexus OE accessory.

 

[Kigiin]

Somewhere along the way, someone installed a spare tire lock. It's a Lexus OE accessory.

Ah, that would cause the problem.

 

[Koda]

Trunk Monkey, Thanks for info. The picture was great, I found that key device tucked deep in one of the pockets of the jack bag. I had never seen it before. The relatives here for Thanksgiving are impressed with the quick Mud response.
Thanks.

 

[Jim_Chow]

My LX came w/ the spare tire lock. The tool kit contains both hook and spare tire lock ends. Correct me if I'm wrong, I believe from '02 on, all the LX's have the spare tire locks. (that doesn't mean it's installed at the factory, just that when you take delivery, that's the way it comes. I'm sure they sock you the bill in there somewhere).

 

[ginericLC]

I'd chuck that thing in the garbage right along side any wheel lock lugnuts that it may have come with. Because those sorts of things bite you in the ass when you are 200 miles from nowhere and you get a flat and all of a sudden you can't find the key to unlock them.

 

[bwbski26]

Or the key to locking lug nut breaks into two peices and you cant get the tire off. happened to me. i ditched all the locks and replaced with toyota lugs.

 

[Gabby]

OR, the key to the locking lugs "wallows out" and will no longer engage because the key is now spinning where it is splined onto the nut that fits into your wrench -- you have to get out your BFH and chisel and drive the locking lugs OFF one at a time!!! Thankfully I had saved my OEM wheel lugs, that then went back into service--that and I never slipped with the hammer and gouged a wheel, or my left hand.

The truck had just been in for front wheel bearing service. I'm sure the tech used an impact wrench on the locking lug key--ARRRGGG.