Spare Tire "Special Key"

[toomuchtorque]

First off, I'd like to remind you all that it is important to have a spare that is properly inflated. For those of you who bought your car used, make sure you are aware of whether or not you have all the tools you'll need (including the spare itself!) to change your tire.
I was looking through my rear compartment where the tire replacement tools are stored and I found only the jack and the wrench. OF course I also found an old stained paper with numbers and random notes and a huge deposit of nicotine gum!! ahh. Anyway, apparently there is a special key that I am supposed to have for whatever reason (I think its for the lug nuts). Am I in trouble here? Where can I get a replacement (preferably not a chevy dealer, but if I must...)? Thanks.

 

[Ken]

The jack is usually kept in a pouch with the spare tire itself. The wrench and the key should have been in the cargo storage area, at least the wrench should have been; the key itself may have been kept in the center console.

The dealer should be able to help you get a new key, or if you do a search here, we have a recent thread that addressed this very issue.

Also, to ease checking the air in the spare tire on a routine basis, there are hose lengths available that one can use as an extension for the valve stem.

I got one through Griot's Garage, but there are cheaper sources I'm sure.

 

[froggy47]

First off, I'd like to remind you all that it is important to have a spare that is properly inflated. For those of you who bought your car used, make sure you are aware of whether or not you have all the tools you'll need (including the spare itself!) to change your tire.
I was looking through my rear compartment where the tire replacement tools are stored and I found only the jack and the wrench. OF course I also found an old stained paper with numbers and random notes and a huge deposit of nicotine gum!! ahh. Anyway, apparently there is a special key that I am supposed to have for whatever reason (I think its for the lug nuts). Am I in trouble here? Where can I get a replacement (preferably not a chevy dealer, but if I must...)? Thanks.

On my 96 the jack, regular socket and "key" security socket are all stored behind the pass seat in a styroform type nest. The jack handle is fastened with wing nuts behind the driver's seat. You know where the spare is.

The socket on the jack handle is the same size as the one behind the pass seat - the one behind the seat is sort of an "extension" but both work.

If the security lugs are still on you WILL need a matching socket for those. See your dealer or call Fitchner or Superior for lower prices - vendors.

Hope this helps.