Hey Gilly..What is the difference betwwen the 99 tranny and the 00 tranny, l know they went to the touch- shift, but is that just a software upgrade, or is there a mechnical difference...is that a viable "Mod".....

I'm not going to be able to assist you much but, having also been interested in such a 'mod', I questioned an SA last year. The response I got was that it would require a different transmission control unit. So far, with limited access to parts listings, I've been unable to confirm this.

Since one can manually select any of the five forward speeds in the '98/'99 transmission (within limits), the mechanicals and their electronic control is in place. It's difficult to see why anything more than a change in the gear lever switching mechanism would be necessary to complete the modification.

Installation, of course would be another matter. If the switching mechanism is buried in the top of the transmission and can only be accomplished with removal of the trans itself, that makes it a more challenging job.

Will continue my search for a more detailed parts listing and keep you posted.


Geoff

Thanks Geoff.............l'd love to do this .......l wonder if Gilly, could shed some light on this for us.................

The 2000 model year was a real leap forward in technology for the ML, almost as much as from 02 to 03.
The "Touch Shift"er is actually a control module, it's called the ESM (Electronic Shifter Module) and is designated N15/5. It is on the CAN Data Bus. This complicates thing tremendously right there, and I agree that the transmission control module must certainly be different than a 1999 model. The shift lock system is all electronic on the 2000 also, which would create problems. I believe the 98-99's used a cable system for ignition and shifter locking. The wiring harnesses involved in this would be really different than the earlier models.

Gilly

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Just caught up on the earlier posts, just a few other things to note:

On the 98-99 shifter, the shifter selection was read in using a part in the shifter called the "Range Recognition Switch", I believe it utilized voltage-coding to read the position. The ESM uses a potentiometer instead of a switch.

On the ESM, the back-up lamps relay is integrated into the shifter instead of in the fusebox.

The ESM is also in charge of reading in the input from the kick-down switch (throttle function) and putting that info onto the CAN Databus.

Gilly

EDIT:
PS I don't think the transmission would be a stumbling block to doing the mod. I believe the tail section is different because of the shift-interlock cable being absent, but wouldn't be hard to overcome. It's mainly the wiring in the chassis that won't cooperate with the shifter.

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You are way too efficient, my friend.....Sounds like too much work for me and way too much cost..................Thanks...

I'd like to add my thanks Gilly -- your response was, as usual , concise yet most adequately detailed. You are generous with your time and it is much appreciated.

Geoff