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Where is the locking wheel nut on a Ford Transit Custom?

The locking wheel nut key is normally stored with the spare wheel toolkit in the cargo area, or it may be kept in a small pouch attached to the toolkit. If your Transit Custom uses a tire repair kit instead of a spare wheel, there may be no separate locking nut key, or it could be located in the same toolkit. Check the usual storage areas first and consult your manual for model-specific details.


Ford’s Transit Custom line has seen variations in spare-wheel configurations across model years and trims. In vans with a spare wheel, the locking nut key is typically tucked into the spare-wheel toolkit, often in a dedicated pocket or bag alongside the jack and wheel brace. In vans equipped with a repair kit rather than a spare wheel, the key placement can differ, and some builds may not include a separate locking nut key at all. If you’re unable to locate it, refer to the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer for the exact storage location for your vehicle’s spec.


Where to look for the locking wheel nut key


Look in the spots most commonly used for the spare-wheel toolkit and related accessories. The following locations cover the majority of Transit Custom configurations.



  • Spare wheel toolkit in the cargo area: a bag or container that usually holds the jack, wheel brace, and the locking wheel nut key.

  • Under the load floor (spare wheel well): some vans keep the toolkit in or around a recessed compartment beneath the floor panel.

  • Glove box or side panel storage: certain trims place the wheel tools and key in a pocket or bag in the cabin.

  • Under-seat storage or near the seat base: a less common location used on some early or specific build configurations.


If you still cannot find the locking wheel nut key after checking these locations, consult the owner's manual for your exact model year and trim, or contact a Ford dealer for assistance. Note that newer Transit Custom variants may omit a spare wheel, which changes where the locking nut key is stored or whether one is included at all.


What to do if you lose the locking wheel nut key


If the key is lost, you should contact Ford roadside assistance or a qualified technician. Have your VIN and proof of ownership ready; a dealer or locksmith with the proper equipment can remove or replace the locking nut and provide a replacement key if needed. Do not attempt to drill or force the lock yourself, as this can damage the wheel.


Summary


For most Ford Transit Custom models with a spare wheel, the locking wheel nut key is kept in the spare wheel toolkit in the cargo area or in the floor-well compartment. In models without a spare wheel, the key may be absent or stored with a tire repair kit, depending on the spec. Always check the manual or contact a Ford dealer to confirm the exact storage location for your vehicle’s year and trim.

How to find which wheel nut is locking?


For example, your car's locking wheel nut may stick out further on your car's wheel than the other nuts, or it may be less pronounced. The locking wheel nut may also not have a cover over it like the other nuts, and it will have a pattern engraved into it.



Where is the locking wheel nut key stored?


The wheel lock key is most commonly found in the glove box or with the spare tire in the trunk, often in a dedicated compartment or bag with the other car tools. Other frequent locations include under the carpet in the trunk, under the driver's or passenger's seat, or inside a seat-back pocket. 
This video shows where the wheel lock key is located in a RAM 1500: 1mFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Nov 6, 2022
Common locations

  • Glove box: This is a very common spot, so check inside first. 
  • Trunk: Look in and around the spare tire, under the carpet, or in any separate compartments. 
  • Tool bag: The key is often stored with the jack and lug wrench in the tool bag found in the trunk. 
  • Under the seats: Check under the driver's and passenger's seats, including any pockets. 
  • Door pockets: Some vehicles have small pockets in the door panels where the key could be. 

This video shows where the wheel lock key is located in a Lexus GX: 1mLexus Of Route 10YouTube · Oct 7, 2022
Tips for finding it
  • Check with the spare tire: The key is frequently stored in a cutout in the foam surrounding the spare tire. 
  • Look for a special holder: Some sets come with a black plastic holder that has a cut-out for the key. 
  • Consult the owner's manual: The manual may indicate the correct storage location, especially if the locks were factory-installed. 



Where is the locking wheel nut key on a Ford Transit Custom?


The locking lug nut key is located in the glove box or next to the vehicle jack. The spare wheel is under the rear of your vehicle. If the spare wheel is the same type and size as your vehicle road wheel, you can fit the spare wheel and continue to drive in the normal manner.



Where is the locking wheel nut key on a Ford?


Common places are: The glove box. Under or with your spare wheel – it may be in a separate compartment. In and under the boot — check under the carpet and in all the separate compartments and first aid kit.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.