[jpark]

Bilbo,

I'll look up those part numbers when I get home on the 24th. Just a guess on my part, but I think the A-pillars and roof were carried over for the 2008 model year, so the two holes may still exist in the pillars under the plastic pillar covers.

Can you remove one of the covers and take a picture of the metal area underneath?

Maybe we can give wifey an early birthday present!

 

[jpark]

Good point...and you're right, you can't put handles where the side curtain air bags are located.

The A-pillars will stay in place if the side curtain airbags deploy (they couldn't, since they would create a projectile), but the headliner pulls away from the sides and exposes the bags. So you could put the handles on the A-pillars. But I'm also not sure if the A-pillars have the same shape and thickness as the 2001-2007 models.

 

[jpark]

Sorry 'bout that. You're right about the A-pillars on the 2001-2007 models---they have a "reinforcement" under the mounting points to prevent the pillars from being crushed as the handles are mounted and tightened.

As soon as I get a set of 2008 service DVDs, I'll take a look at the entire area and see if handles can be mounted anywhere.

 

[jpark]

I haven't seen any '08 TSBs on the keys yet. Did you try to have the system "learn" the key that doesn't work?

Here's the procedure for 2008 models (from the most recent owner's manual):

You can program your own Integrated Keyhead Transmitters or standard
SecuriLock™ coded keys to your vehicle. This procedure will program
both the engine immobilizer keycode and the remote entry transmitter
portion of the IKT to your vehicle. Note: A maximum of eight coded
keys can be programmed to your vehicle; only four of these eight can be
IKTs with remote entry functionality.
Tips:
• Only use Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKTs) or standard
SecuriLock™ keys.
• You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that
already operate your vehicle's engine) and the new unprogrammed
key(s) readily accessible.
• If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must
take your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare key(s)
programmed.
Please read and understand the
entire procedure before you begin.
1. Insert the first previously
programmed coded key into the
ignition.
2. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position.
Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but
no more than 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the first coded
key from the ignition.
4. Within ten seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position,
insert the second previously coded key into the ignition.
5. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position.
Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least three seconds, but
no more than 10 seconds.
6. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position and remove the second
previously programmed coded key from the ignition.
7. Within twenty seconds of turning the ignition to the 1 (LOCK)
position and removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the
new unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition.
8. Turn the ignition from the 1 (LOCK) position to the 3 (RUN) position.
Keep the ignition in the 3 (RUN) position for at least six seconds.
9. Remove the newly programmed coded key from the ignition.
If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle's
engine and will operate the remote entry system (if the new key is an
Integrated Keyhead Transmitter). The theft indicator light will illuminate
for three seconds and then go out to indicate successful programming.
If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your
vehicle's engine and/or will not operate the remote entry features. The
theft indicator light may flash on and off. Wait 20 seconds and you may
repeat Steps 1 through 8. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your
authorized dealer to have the new key(s) programmed.
To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), wait twenty seconds
and then repeat this procedure from Step 1.

HTH...

 

[jpark]

Guess what I noticed yesterday? Our Fusion has both side curtain air bags AND grab handles. The grab handles have a really cool, hydraulic-feeling spring return that puts them back in stored position slowly.

I wonder if the side curtain airbags and their deployment method are the same as the Escape's. When I get my newest service DVD, I'll take a look for ye.

 

[jpark]

You're quite welcome.

 

[jpark]

I have an April 2008 Ford Service DVD on its way.

 

[jpark]

I received the latest service DVD yesterday. It has all 2008 models.

I took a quick look at the grab handle area of the Fusion, and the same area on the Escape, but not at the restaint systems. I got pretty busy yesterday, and I'm in the office today for CPR training (of all things!), so I didn't have any time to look.

My initial guess is that the areas look the same, and that one of the Fusion's grab handles would fit without interfering with the operation of the side curtain airbags, but I want to look at the restraint systems to make sure. There's also a recess in the Fusion's headliner around each of the four grab handles that won't be in the Escape's headliner, but you still may be able to use it.