spare tire

last night, pitch black, and raning, i had a flat. i have never had to go for the doughnut tire before, but thought it would be simple. i crawled under the back to get it, but couldnt figure out how to get it out. remember its dark and only a cig lighter for light. so im feeling around and cant find a nut or anything to unlock it. finally i lifted up the carpet in the back and noticed a nut that the lug wrench fits. i felt around wondering if that was it. it wasnt centered up with the center of the wheel, so i didnt think it was what i was looking for. i stuck the wrench on there anyway and turnd it a few times, i than reached under to fell if the tire was loose yet and it was being lowered from a cable. so i kept turning it until i had enough slack to pull it out and unhook it.
im sorry for being lenthy but if you have a flat and never read the manual on it, hopfully youll know what to look for.