In the spare tire area of the 2016 CX-5 there is a black plastic bolt that holds down the spare and to the right there is an identical bolt but yellow. What is it for? There doesn't seem to be any way to remove it. The owner's manual says nothing about it that I can find

 

What exactly are you trying to do and why remove it? Yellow bolts are typically designated for caution. Jk I have no idea why it's yellow. I forget where exactly I saw a yellow headed bolt once.

I've seen green, indicating ground screw or coolant. Or C for "can't remember " where I came from but then noticed on that car designated markers for body bolts vs banjo vs engine block fasteners for clamps, harnesses etc

It's probably just a reference point for allignments come to think of it. Like if u got rear ended they measure from point of reference to designated other points. If it's dab smack middle that's a clue. Doesn't have to be tho

 

I'm sorry, I should have been more descriptive. It is what Mazda calls a "hold down bolt" but it is plastic and hand sized so it can be tightened by hand. A black one is in place holding the spare tire the other is off on the right side and seems impossible to remove even if one knew its function.

 

I believe the yellow bolt is to be used for the damaged tire when the spare is in place. Never tried to remove mine as I have not had to use the spare.

 

Thanks, that makes sense. If I could get it out I'd check to see how it differs from the black bolt but, as I said, it doesn't seem to be easily removed.

 

I imagine that it is longer to account for the difference in the wheels. If I think about it this week when I have time, I'll take a look at mine. I don't think I'll have time until Monday, but I will be at the Mazda dealer Monday, so I'll try to remember to ask about it. At my age, I have trouble remembering what I had for breakfast and I have the same thing every day.

 

That was my thought, too. At 76 I know exactly what you mean.

 

It will pop out with enough force.