Swing Arm Latch

[Ris12]

I have a 2002 Kia Sportage. Sometimes the spare tire swing arm latch will engage and more often won't on the first, second, etc., try. Is there some trick to this?

Thanks.
Ris

[Wild1]

It is easy to bend the latch. Make sure that someone didn't slam it once and deform it. Otherwise, some SeaFoam Lubricant (WD40 works too) will do the job. The colder the weather, the more likely it is to stick.