I have one of the 2001 Escapes with the unusually long shift lever. I recently installed an aftermarket headunit and it really interferes with the controls, including volume and mute, which are right completed blocked when in drive.

Does anyone know the best way to fix this? I'm wondering if:

1. The replacement OEM part is the same as what I have or has been updated like the 2002 models.

2. Can I install the shorter OEM 2002 shift lever assembly on my 2001 steering column?

3. Are there any aftermarket solutions?

Thanks.
- Dave

 

I think the parts counter at your local Ford dealer would be able to help. I would check to see if the parts other than the lever are unchanged from 2001 and 2002. If they are the same, all you would have to do is change the lever. If other parts are changed you would be out of pocket for the other parts. If that is the case I wonder if parts from a junk yard might be the best bet.

 

That was my assumption too, but it didn't work out that way. My nearest dealership said that the lever for the 2001 was discontinued and has been superseded by the one from the 2002-2003 models, and cost $140. I called my other "local" dealer, just to check pricing, and they said basically the same thing, except the cost was $240. So, I called the original dealer back to place an order and talked to someone different who said that the 2001 version is still available, costs $250, and they couldn't confirm whether or not the lever is exactly the same as what I have or includes the shortening update.

At this point I'm reluctant to spend $250 for a part that could be the same part I have, unless someone who has actually done it, or at least seen the parts, can confirm what I'm getting.

I tried the junkyard route and they only want to sell complete steering columns, which is more than just the OEM parts I need from the dealership.

I don't mind spending the money as long as someone can confirm ahead of time that I'm going to end up getting what I need.
- Dave

 

Man I know what you mean. On my 01, the shift lever was so long you could dry your laundry on it. The thing would hit your passenger in the knees. I'm glad they moved it to the floor.

 

The 01 levers would be fine if they had a semi-long "S" bend about 1" off of where it connect to column, now as for length, my girlfriend has her entire 30+ collection of multi-color hair bungee things on her shifter, it looks like she has a fluffy rainbow color cover on it.

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Not sure if same part for escape but heres couple pictures of 03 Mazda Tribute S Shifter, it looks like they bent the top part 10 to 20 degrees towards the driver an keep it same length, i could be wrong.

Hope this helps, Mike

 

The lever is a hollow tube.

Try a tubing bender.