SUCCESS! ROTARY DIAL installation with 12" screen - without removing upper trim

[HI Zeus]

So the dial doesn't actually physically stop on one end of the rotation or the other, its just that the selector and indicator stop (electronically). I assume there is no tactile (clicking) feedback as you move from "P" to "R" to "N" to "D"

So, I can reach down and give the dial a generous right hand twist and know it will be on "D" and later give a generous left hand twist and know it will be on "P," regardless of the fact that the knob will spin infinitely in either direction. (That is what I would have hoped/expected, as opposed to it looping around and picking up on the other end and running through the options over and over as you spin it.)

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[hturnerfamily]

this Rotary Dial version doesn't just 'free wheel' spin on it's own, no, it requires some small torque, just as if you are turning the knob of your door to enter your home. You will feel the 'indents' as you pass each gear...

when the truck is not on, it does NOT turn.

 

[twixr3000]

I guess I'm outlier here, in wife's Mach-e which is a wonderful little car, the one thing I really detest is that stupid rotary dial...rather have the shifter like in my Lightning

 

[mandingolingo]

I bought the 2024 bronco shifter. I wonder what the difference is. I tried searching.

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[BMac1203]

I also just completed this mod. Love it. Just like my Wife's Mach E.

 

[hturnerfamily]

So, I can reach down and give the dial a generous right hand twist and know it will be on "D" and later give a generous left hand twist and know it will be on "P," regardless of the fact that the knob will spin infinitely in either direction...

yes, as while the knob WILL continue to rotate 360degrees, the electronics tells the truck which gear it is in, even if you go past 'DRIVE' with the dial... the RED INDICATOR will not move past that .... well, unless you turn the truck off, while still in gear - then it just changes from D to P.

 

[Rayden]

I guess I'm outlier here, in wife's Mach-e which is a wonderful little car, the one thing I really detest is that stupid rotary dial...rather have the shifter like in my Lightning

I'm the same in that I'm perfectly fine using the shifter. Using a rotary dial seems alien to me. Of course, this is the first vehicle I've owned that didn't need a key to start!
I do like the idea of the fold down workstation. However, the first test drive I did of a used one, the shifter got stuck in the down position before we ever even got on the road! This was at a Jeep dealership and they didn't really know much about the Lightning. After about 30 minutes, one of the guys did some googling and took the lead off the 12 battery, and that fixed it. SO, you could say that I'm a bit reluctant to do the fold down after seeing that. That's about the only reason I'd consider doing the dial mod myself.

 

[hturnerfamily]

agreed, and while I never had any issue with the 'stow away' automation of the Shifter, I am reluctant to think that it might not be a problem in the future... it is mechanical.

as to having the Rotary Dial simply to 'free up' the center space to allow for a fold-out desk, you still have the problem of what to do with all that stuff, cups, bottles, mugs, in your center cup holders, when you do...

the 'fold down' center console 'desk' is a nice idea, yes, but it's probably not as practical.

 

[HI Zeus]

I'm the same in that I'm perfectly fine using the shifter. Using a rotary dial seems alien to me. Of course, this is the first vehicle I've owned that didn't need a key to start!
I do like the idea of the fold down workstation. However, the first test drive I did of a used one, the shifter got stuck in the down position before we ever even got on the road! This was at a Jeep dealership and they didn't really know much about the Lightning. After about 30 minutes, one of the guys did some googling and took the lead off the 12 battery, and that fixed it. SO, you could say that I'm a bit reluctant to do the fold down after seeing that. That's about the only reason I'd consider doing the dial mod myself.

I too thought that dial-shifters were the stupidest thing since..... sliced pudding, that is until I encountered this shifter and the inevitable vulnerabilities. An overly complicated design for one of the most used fixtures in a truck was a REALLY bad idea. I get that it obviously has to be electronic vs mechanical, but motorized? Shifting for me if I "forget' to put it in park? (There are actually times I WANT to open the drivers door and stay in drive, thank you very much!) Is folding down (with a motor) REALLY the only way to achieve the workstation?

Honestly, Id much prefer an alternative (or hack) that defeats all of the motorized BS and keep a simple shifter (although hacked, I suspect it would still be vulnerable due to its original complicated design). Since I won't use the fold down currently, I could even give that up without much complaint.

In any event, I'm getting the whole dial setup. I MAY just keep it in the truck for a "quick" conversion/repair when needed, I have not decided on that yet.

If anyone out there comes up with a SIMPLE shifter replacement I'll gladly go that route!
Hello, FORD??

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