How do I get the ebrake to fit with the new center console? Just redrill holes? How difficult is to change the ac controls on a 97 to something newer?
You can either redrill the e brake at an angle to match the new one or get one from a 99+ model. The same thing goes for the metal bracket behind the ebrake, the console bolts to, the 99+ is the same height but sits about an inch further to the rear of the vehicle, the ebrake is held in by 2, 12mm bolts on the front left and back right of the cable bucket, the bracket for the console is 3, 10mm bolts, 2 go into the body and one goes through the rear heat duct if equipped, so depending on that it may only be two bolts, its a good idea to buy a center console accordingly.
Also to your question about the climate controls, as I tried to look into this as I went through my 97 Interior. The 2000 climate control with 2 slides and 2 knobs is a direct fit physically and all its connectors are identical to the 97 climate unit, unfortunately like the updated hazard switch just because the connectors are the same doesn't mean it's plug and play. All 4 linkages to the hvac assembly are a different length, they do connect but your travel on the knobs is only going to be from about 50% cold, across neutral air, then 100% heat. So you'll lose a small amount of the cold air. And without rewiring the switch does this,
Switch set to 0- hvac runs on low setting, ac engaged regardless of output position. (Normally ac override is only in full defrost setting) all backlighting in climate is illuminated, when using the left multi lever to turn on running lights back lighting goes off.
Switch set to 1-system turns off but ac can be engaged with the button as if it is running, light will illuminate as well in switch
Switch set to 2- system goes to half speed, but this will also engage all marker/running lights on the vehicle even if your left multi lever is off. Turning it on shuts all lights off.
Other switches show same strange activity but I can't remember specifics. I'm sure this would be an easy rewire if someone wanted to look into it and swap linkages, since it does use the same connector and the ac button is wired identical. This was to much for me to bother since I'm happy with my manual sliders, just put some new grease on them and reassembled. One thing to note, when removing the trim from a 98 and earlier radio/vent you must remove the small rubber end caps from the sliders and pull the ac button out and remove the black cover from the climate module, since there are 2 hidden screws behind it for the trim piece, and it actually sits infront of the trim, on the 99 and up those screws were not used and the control is mounted behind the trim piece.
