hurk

2002 Escape XLS 2.0L I4 5-spd manual

How do you remove the center console panel & shifter boot?
And the shifter knob?

The Chilton manual doesn't have any specifics. .......................E-central
I fiddled w the console a little but didn't want to force it. Thanks. JMK.E-CITY
.........................................................................................F-T-E-F-T-E-F-T-E-ESCAPE

hurk

2002 Escape XLS 2.0L I4 5-spd manual

Well, I figured it out w a little help from another site.
Do not try to pull the shifter boot out - it's attached on the underside w a bracket & 4 screws.
Here's how to remove the center console & boot. It's very easy.

First, remove the shifter knob by unscrewing it counter-clockwise.
Next, remove the center console forward trim panel by pulling it straight up & out. The shifter boot is attached to that panel by a squarish plastic bracket. I used a flat bladed screwdriver to pry at the forward passenger side corner of the trim panel first, then just pulled the panel straght up.
The rearward trim panel pulls up in the same manner. The parking brake boot assy is attached to it.
FYI: each trim panel has four metal spring type clips instead of the hook type, so there's no need to press in the sides of the panels or anything - just pull the panels straight up & out.
Remove the center console base by unscrewing the 4 bolts securing it: 2 at the front & 2 at the rear. The rear bolts face outwards towards the seats - you have to slide the seats forward first. Use a 10mm socket.
The parking brake handle boot assy can be pulled/pried out.
Installlation is the reverse & everything goes back together easy squeezy.

Note: the parking brake boot is attached to a plastic bracket which has tabs to secure it. If you remove the boot assy, reinstall the parts as one unit. Install the boot onto the bracket, then insert the bracket ends first, then the sides.

Bert

Thanks for the update. It's sure to help someone here.

hurk

I hope it does help somebody. It was so easy, I felt compelled to update the topic.
I took the console apart to put some grease on the shifter - it had an audible vibration. Also, I wasn't sure what I'd find under there but had a hunch it would need a cleaning, and sure enough the previous owner had spilled a drink. Luckily, the design of the console base collected most of the mess. Here's a pic of the parts after disassembly:

Attached Images

Image06.jpg (41.6 KB, 14 views)

Bert

The picture lokks like all new parts. You sure did a good job cleaning them.

hurk

Digital photos often times enhance the appearance of stuff.

2002 XLS 2.0L I4 Maintenance Info pg 1

Headlight Upgrade:
See links in post #2 - Lock up??

NEED PARTS FOR 1980 CSR 305

Downloadable Ford manuals:
Owner’s manual & Scheduled Maintenancee Guide
https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenan...ls/default.asp


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