FORD 2002 Windstar v.2 - Manual (Page 211)

Removing the spare tire
To remove the spare tire:
1. Open the liftgate and open the
plastic cover from the carpeting on
cargo floor to expose the hex nut.
On cargo van model, lift flap in mat
to expose hex nut.
2. Insert the lug nut wrench on the
hex nut in cargo floor.
3. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise until tire is
lowered to the ground and the cable
is slightly slack.
4. Remove the retainer from the
spare tire.
To install the spare tire:
1. Reverse the removal steps 2
through 4. When the tire is raised to
the stowed position underneath the
vehicle, the hex nut ratchets and will not allow you to overtighten.
2. Check seating position of tire for looseness against the underbody
supports and retighten if necessary.
Ensure the position of the tire is not too far forward to avoid
contact with the axle.
Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
Roadside Emergencies
211