Someone help?

[TwistInACircle]

i have a 04 tahoe z71, i went to open the back tailgate and i opened that little cover next to the license plate, and i remembered there was a lock there, so i thought that was it, i put the key in and turned it to the right, i pulled the key out and the whole lock came out. and now it wont go back in. anyone have any clue on what this is?? thanks

[pwall]

The lock is meant to come out. It's a 'cover' for the mechanism that allows you to lower the spare tire.

Fiddle with it, it should go back in.

[TwistInACircle]

o alright. thanks a lot pwall

[HawkeyeOC]

i have a 04 tahoe z71, i went to open the back tailgate and i opened that little cover next to the license plate, and i remembered there was a lock there, so i thought that was it, i put the key in and turned it to the right, i pulled the key out and the whole lock came out. and now it wont go back in. anyone have any clue on what this is?? thanks

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

It's a lock to cover the spare tire access hole so someone doesn't take your spare tire which is located under the rear of your Tahoe. Without the lock in place, anyone can insert a tool into that hole to lower the tire to the ground and run off with it.

 

Try putting it back the opposite way you took it out. Put it in and turn the key to the left I am assuming.

[Wingnut]

That's the Master Bolt that you broke.

 

Now the rear wheels are going to fall off.