2006 Colorado, the spare tire won't drop even an inch. Is there an alternate way to drop the entire tire and hoist system?

SOURCE: hoist to lower spare tire does not work.

Same thing happened to me on my 2002 trailblazer. The last few wraps of the cable was corroded to the point that it wouldn't unwind with the tool supplied. First thing to do is cut the crimped end of the cable off with a grinder or cut off wheel but don't forget to support the spare. This will get the spare out of your way then simply take out the 3 mounting bolts for the cable hoist. At this point you could buy a new cable hoist from the dealer and install it yourself or you might be able to do what I did. I managed to pull and remove about a foot of the rusted cable, slide the rectangular metal piece, that actually holds the spare at the center of the wheel, back on the cable and attach a 1/4" cable clamp to the end of the cable which of course must be in good condition. There should still be enough cable to re-attach your spare to it and hoist it back up. Don't forget to lube things up so it won't happen again. Good luck. (buying a new one sounds better, doesn't it?)
mikethemedic in Hawley,Pa.

SOURCE: I tried to remove spare tire but it will only drop about 2 inches which is not enough to remove it. Any suggestions?

Check your owners manual .There is a saftey catch that will need to be realased by using your bottle jack and tire stops that come with your truck. If you dont have a owners manual. What you can try is taking a floor jack and a socket place it under the spairtire right in the center where the cable holds the tire in place. start jacking it up until the socket hits the square part in the center once the socket is aligned with the square part continue to jack up it should release it . Its a stupid system but it will work if the cable wont allow the tire to drop .I drive a tow truck and this has happened to me several times with people who have this type of system on a GM.

SOURCE: Can't release spare tire retainer

push the tire up with you knee and move the hang down rod over so the tire can drop.It can be a little hard.

SOURCE: spare tire won't release.

This is the worst GM engineering i have ever seen !!!! The secondary locking mech. rust itself in the locked position on will NOT allow the tire to lower. After lowering the tire down approx. 2-4" the saftey lock is still engaged. I was able to reach above the tire and remove the bolt holding the hoist in place. {15 mm wrench}. Keep a floor jack under the tire to support it and as not to fall on your head. After removing the bolt the hoist is hooked on the frame member and must be lifted off to remove. Once you get it on the garage floor it is possible to disengage the locking mech. with a few tools and a big hammer. Good luck This should be a Recall

SOURCE: chevy pick-up spare tire hoist won't release

Sugerinimo's idea is good but I good not get it too work.. Well, this can be easier or a bit harder. Mine was harder. You are stuck on the secondary tire lock. There is a process in your manual that involves lowering the tire as far as it goes with the secondary lock, then placing your tire jack under the center of the tire holder and jack it back up until its tight to the frame - this should release the secondary lock. In my case this did not work. Plan B, is grab a 15 mm socket, small extension and ratchet. Lower the tire as far as it goes. Locate the 15mm bolt that attaches the tire hanger to the frame, undo the bolt, the hanger is then swinging from the back, lift up the tire and bracket and it will fall off. be careful the tire is heavy.
Next on the top of the tire you will see a rubber cover the secondary lock slides into. Pull down the boot. You will see two holes along the bottom on the opposite side to the crank. Turn the bottom part of the lock. If you look in the holes you can see where the catch is. Take a slot screw driver and hammer, line up the catch and tap it back in.
The secondary lock is now free.
Remember when reinstalling the bolt on the frame to use some locktite.