[eightiesguy]

I recently purchased a 2001 Escape XLS. I'd like to swap out the console for one with an arm rest. My escape has the parking brake on the right side (closest to the passenger seat). The consoles with an arm rest that I've seen have the parking break on the left (driver) side. Is there an armrest that will work with my escape? Is there a way to move my parking brake to the other side?

I apologize if this has already been covered. I've searched, and the only topic I found that asked the same question was never fully answered.

 

[Airmapper]

Welcome to the city! :welcome:

I assume you have an automatic transmission. I was looking into doing the same mod on mine but came to the conclusion my manual gearshift was going to interfere somewhat, and honestly I didn't put a lot of effort into searching after that.

Don't hold me to it, but I believe it is possible, unfortunately I don't have any useful information on the parking brake. Mine seems to be in the dead middle of the center console or perhaps more on the drivers side. I can't see Ford making Escapes with multiple parking brake holes in the floor, so it may be possible to get the parking brake handle assembly from the console donor and it might so happen to use the same hole.

I've found stripped parts for the console on E-bay before, never bought any though. I'd also check out the junkyards, see if you can find one that will let you go in there and have a look, might be able to get a console cheap, or not, you never know.

The center console is very easy to remove on the rear portion. I will warn you however that the 2 bolts holding the front portion will break the heads off very easily.

 

[dust4]

I have the manual transmission as well and was looking to getting a center console with an armrest has anyone done this or have this?

 

[Inscrutable]

Hi guys. About to buy 2004 with MTX, and I also would like a console with armrest. Hoping someone sees this as I continue the search. Thanks!

 

[SkylineTj]

Also interested....w/ manual transmission.

If nothing pops up on here soon, I may try to do it myself and see how things go, since I should get my Escape back tomorrow. :thumb:

 

[SkylineTj]

Just realized that the E-brake handle in my E is closest to the passenger seat like the OP said.

Can anyone confirm how the center consoles w/ armrest are set up?

 

[eightiesguy]

I still haven't tried it in my Escape. I hope to attempt it soon (as soon as I can find a resonably priced/CHEAP console and parking break lever.

 

[hoover12]

Im new around here and I just picked up my 2005 Mercury Mariner Luxury Saturday morning after having a baby and trading in my Ion redline BUT...... the mariner has a center console with an armrest and pretty sure the e-brakes location is gravitated more towards the passenger on mine as well. In conclusion maybe a wrecked mariner will have a center concole that will work for you.

 

[calvineagle77]

I also have a manual Escape, but I want a center console as well. So, if anybody finds out something please post it.

 

[Kennedy]

Airmapper, I was wondering how you have cruise control on your steering wheel? I have the '02 XLS and it doesn't have cruise. I was interested in adding it, but I don't like the idea of having an aftermarket one on my car. How did you get it?

 

[timothyjay2004]

Airmapper, I was wondering how you have cruise control on your steering wheel? I have the '02 XLS and it doesn't have cruise. I was interested in adding it, but I don't like the idea of having an aftermarket one on my car. How did you get it?

This may help you:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2115

I know I've seen the buttons on eBay for the steering wheel - found them:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTORCRAFT-SW-5 ... 1252wt_931

Also, I know you said no to the after market cruise controls, but incase you change your mind, there is a toyota style one out for about $210:

http://mnrelectronics.com/foes2020cocr.html

 

[Kennedy]

I actually like the aftermarket one :lol: , haha. My mom's 2008 Chrysler Sebring Touring came with one like that from the factory and I like it a lot. I learned on her car, so I'm already used to it, but I also learned on my dad's two Focuses, so I'm used to the Ford factory cruise as well as the Chrysler.

 

[calvineagle77]

Airmapper, I was wondering how you have cruise control on your steering wheel? I have the '02 XLS and it doesn't have cruise. I was interested in adding it, but I don't like the idea of having an aftermarket one on my car. How did you get it?

I have an '01 XLS and it has cruise control. I am with you, I wouldn't trust an after market system.

 

[leaderjoe]

Yes it can be done. I did it on my fwd 2001 XLS with a Tribute ES leather interior.. swapped seats and low console for the higher bin console. I have an automatic v6 model.

HERE's what you need to know.

First, the emergency brake lever is different. (It is higher length) The emergency brake cable that connects from lever and goes thru floor to underside of car is ALSO different. The existing XLS low console cable is shorter, and does not reach far enough. (I noticed the factory center console kits include the brake - now it makes sense)

The swap was pretty easy except I had to go underneath car to unhook and change the brake cable. If you don't want to get under your car, a mechanic will have to do this part.

The carpet was covering the mount holes needed for the new brake location. I used exacto knife to cut the carpet out - careful there is some wiring in that region. I was THRILLED to see the factory holes indeed existed and were protected with rubber - so pulled out rubber and installed new brake lever in new location. No drilling necessary AND it was exact location. The console install/swap was pretty easy after dealing with brake.

I have a few pics as well.. I realize this may be too late for original posters, but future readers might find helpful.