[Bilbo]

Anybody know if it's possible to add some of the grab handles to the interior of the 2008s that theyused to include in all of the others? I am also loking for part numbers or any suggestions.
Thanks for any reply.
Mrs Bilbo misses them.

 

[Bilbo]

THanks,
I will try removing the plastic to check underneath. If I can do that and if I find the holes, I'll measure the hole spacing and taks some pics.
I'm not even finding a reference to the Assist Grab Handles as being an option on the 08s.

Edit: I think that there may be an issue. This thing has the side curtain airbags. I'd be afraid of getting into something that I'd be messing up. She wanted the ones overhead and not on the A pillars. ALso What I can' be sure of is how the airbag operation affects the overhead headliner or the plastic A pillar trim.

 

[Bilbo]

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.

From what I've seen neither the Escape, Mariner or Tribute has any grabs in 08 for loaded or optional equip. The salesman wanted us to go to a quality auto upholstry place but I figured that it would cost.
I wanted tocheck under the A pillar molding but then when I saw it, I couldn't figure out how it was fastened and I'm trying to not break anything. I think that the plastic trim piece is deeper than on my 03 and the 03 has depressions where the handle mounts. So they aren't interchangeable.

Well we have a bug deflector and window visors ordered and she wants the tinkerbell floor mats.....It's the wife's vehicle....

 

[Bilbo]

Thanks,
I think that she's cool with no grab handles ...unless I can get them installed.
She has expressed an intrest in the step boards but they are like $350

Have you seen anything about the 08 key programming issue in TSBs.
The dealer said that they can't fix it for now.
We have two keys, the one works all fine. Mine doesn't program apparently. Key works. No buttons.

 

[Bilbo]

Well thanks for this JPark.
Actually the scary part is the
"You must have two previously programmed coded keys"
and
"If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your
vehicle's engine and/or will not operate the remote entry features. "

Now we only have 2 keys...
Currently the one key is fine but the second key doesn't function with the buttons. I can use the key to open and start manually though. I would not want to spoil that.
The Ford Mechanic said that they have tried programming it 4 times but no luck. They have talked to the company and they don't seem to have a fix...yet.

 

[Bilbo]

If they can't fix it can't you ask for a new key? Being under warranty and all...

Well, this is a good point. I'm wondering why they just didn't do that in the first place. Maybe it too simple of a solution. :doh: I will talk to them.

 

[Bilbo]

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.

Now one of those would be way cool.
Thanks jpark

 

[Bilbo]

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.

Thanks for doing all of this.
From looking at the Merc or Tribby brochures I noticed that the curtains come from above (I believe.) I would wonder where they pop out of. and how this affects.

The other point is that they had handles on the A pillars on my 03 but that I believe that the moulding that they were against was also recessed for a better handle fit and finish like the older vehicle's headliners.
Still waiting for the key to get fixed and now the door window.
Today I noticed that her pass. door already has a door scratch. Inconsiderate idiots.