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Anyone modded the gearstick in a Classic/G2 ?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by KS, Jun 15, 2005.

  1. KS

    KS New Member

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    Hi all.

    I've had a search through the knowledge base, as well as this forum, but to no avail.

    Has anyone modded the large, phallic styled gearstick into something a little more manageable ? While the gearstick is handy, I really don't like the long arm of it at all. So I was thinking of trimming the length a fair bit.

    But I wasn't sure if that would effect the angle of movement / axis and leverage type thing.

    Any suggestions please ?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 KS, Jun 15, 2005
  2. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Is it different looking there than here? It certainly doesn't look phallic to me.
     
    #2 DanMan32, Jun 16, 2005
  3. KS

    KS New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DanMan32\";p=\"99058)</div>
    I was hoping I was able to reduce the length of it a bit. No, the pic isn't mirrored !
     
    #3 KS, Jun 16, 2005
  4. bobc

    bobc New Member

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    Holy cow! Look at that thing! I'm squirming by not trying to say anything.....

    I mentioned that naterprius had modded his but he has an '04/'05 version.

    Here's the text from a post he made:

    -Replaced shift knob with round knob from Lowe's (matches steering wheel and doesn't poke my knee)

    I don't think you'll have a problem poking your knee with that thing...


    KS, your from NZ! Good on ya! I'm happy to mention that I'll be heading down to Chch in August! I love your country! Have looked repeatedly at obtaining citizenship there.

    Cheers,
    -bob
     
    #4 bobc, Jun 16, 2005
  5. KS

    KS New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobc\";p=\"99141)</div>
    Yes it's my eye that I'm more worried about ! lol. But yes, it is somewhat phallic in shape and size. I was thinking of trimming the length completely down to the black bit, but wasn't sure about leverage - how much extra effort would be required to shift the lever if the position of it is closer to the axis/angle of rotation part. I failed school physics too !

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobc\";p=\"99141)</div>
    Christchurch in August - brrr, it'll be a bit chilly. Expect 0c in the mornings, to a high of about 10c. But there's Mt Hutt for skiing only 90 mins away, or the beach for winter surfing :D Just pack your thermals for there that's all. I'm in Auckland, which is always considerably warmer (hmm, maybe I'm just getting old).
     
    #5 KS, Jun 16, 2005
  6. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Didn't realize you were talking about a classic, my bad.

    As for leverage, the shifting is simply telling HV ECU how you want to go. You're not moving any transmission linkage, although I don't know if the parking pawl is completely mechanical or not. If it is all electrical, then you can do what you want with the stalk.
     
    #6 DanMan32, Jun 20, 2005
  7. KS

    KS New Member

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    Thanks.

    I had a chat to some of the engineering chaps I work with (at a tv station) and after lots of discussions, drawings and umms and arrrs, one suggestion came out about removing hte gear stick completely and replacing it with a vertical row of buttons- P, R, N, D (this model doesn't have B).

    Just push and go ! Obviously the intelligence level would have to be pretty minute for someone to push P while driving down the road :roll: but it's just an idea.
     
    #7 KS, Jun 23, 2005
  8. vincent1449p

    vincent1449p Active Member

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    It does has ! All the Prius models (NHW10, NHW11 & NHW20) have .

    I think you can just try to hold the lever closer to the fulcrum to have a feel on the leverage and you can do this before you actually trim the length.

    AFAIK, no one has reported an actual replacement. However, there were some discussions in the PriusMods Yahoo group (for your reference only):

    msg# 1160

    The author did caution about doing it.

    I'm not sure about NZ but in some countries, it is not legal to make any huge modification to anything having to do with the function of the engine, lights or suspension.

    Vincent
     
    #8 vincent1449p, Jun 23, 2005
  9. KS

    KS New Member

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    Thanks, didn't realise it has a B mode. DOH !

    Yes here in NZ every vehicle must have a Warrant Of Fitness to be legally on the roads, which only last for 6 months. Then you have to re-register (unless it's brand new, then it's valid for 12 months for a couple of years only). At $40 a ppo, it's a good income for some businesses.

    The mod technically won't affect a WOF, but as always, who knows what bureaucracy will be invented in the future and retro-actively applied :roll:

    But I gotta do something about the phallic gear stick, I mean . . . c'mon ! :p
     
    #9 KS, Jun 24, 2005
  10. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Took a quick look at the 2003 wiring diagram (only thing I have about the innards of the classic). There are separate control wires for P,R,N,D &B, but there is an additional set of signals from the shifter: VSFT SFT GSFT. These three may be to indicate shift movement. These three are shielded, the PRNDB signals are not.
    I don't know if the PRNDB is logic high for engaged, or logic low.

    The G2 uses hall effect transistors in an X/Y position sense for the shift joystick. Of course the parking button is completely separate.
     
    #10 DanMan32, Jun 24, 2005
  11. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

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    the actual shift control unit is quite complex in design and the park cable goes to the park lever on the PSD unit. The brake interlock assy is integral with it as well. The only thing that I can't really get a good look at is how the handle is attached to the unit. The info that I have say's not to disassemble it as shift position sensors are difficult to properly set.
     
    #11 Frank Hudon, Jun 24, 2005
  12. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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    Ah, so the parking mechanism is completely mechanical. I suspected that.

    I forgot to consider the shift interlock. I found that in my parusing, but it was shown as a separate block in a different diagram, though I do realize it is on the same assembly.
     
    #12 DanMan32, Jun 24, 2005
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