Owner's Problem Description
The owner of a 1995 Jeep Cherokee is trying to locate the spare tire. They found the jack under the back seat, but are unsure about the spare tire's location. Previous advice suggested it could be under the hatch floor or outside underneath the vehicle. However, the floor panel seems bolted down, making it difficult to access. They are attempting to find the spare tire to avoid costly alternatives like calling a tow truck.
Professional Technical Analysis
The 1995 Jeep Cherokee typically features a spare tire located either under the rear floor panel or externally mounted underneath the vehicle. In this case, the owner has found the jack beneath the back seat but is struggling to access the spare tire due to a bolted-down floor panel. The spare tire's location can vary based on whether the vehicle was purchased new or used, and modifications may have occurred. It's important to note that some models come without a spare tire if it was removed or not included by a previous owner. The owner has noted a gray box with metal straps underneath the panel, indicating a possibility of an external spare tire mount that could be missing. This situation underscores the need for thorough inspection of the vehicle's exterior for any mounting points or holes that suggest an external spare tire attachment. The challenge here is to verify the tire's existence without incurring additional costs for roadside assistance.
Possible Causes
Most common causes (ordered by frequency):
- Missing Spare Tire: It's possible that the vehicle either did not come with a spare tire or that the previous owner removed it. Some models can have an external spare mounting bracket that may have been removed, leaving no spare tire present. - Visual inspection shows no spare tire present; external mounting points are missing, and the gray box noted does not contain a tire.
- Bolted-Down Floor Panel: The floor panel design may be secured with bolts, which is common for certain Jeep models to prevent theft or tampering. This could hinder access to the spare tire compartment underneath. - The presence of bolts on the floor panel indicates it is designed to be secured, complicating access to the space underneath.
- Previous Modifications: If the vehicle was modified by previous owners, the spare tire's location or accessibility might have changed, leading to confusion about where it should be. - Inspection of the vehicle's history may reveal previous modifications that could have affected the spare tire's location.
Diagnostic Steps
Professional Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose the issue. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
- STEP 1 - Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the rear hatch area to identify any possible openings for the spare tire compartment. Look for any removable covers or panels that may provide access to the spare tire.
- STEP 2 - Check External Mounting Points: Inspect the vehicle's exterior for any signs of previous spare tire mounting brackets or holes that may indicate an external spare tire was previously fitted.
- STEP 3 - Consult Vehicle Documentation: Refer to the owner's manual specific to the 1995 Jeep Cherokee for detailed information regarding spare tire location and any optional features that may have been included.
- STEP 4 - Contact Previous Owner or Dealer: If the spare tire's location remains unclear, consider reaching out to the previous owner or a Jeep dealership for information regarding any modifications or missing components.
