Shifter boot

2002 Escalade. Can you replace boot without cutting orange wire to controls?

Assuming you're referring to the transmission shift lever on the steering column, you can remove the entire shift lever assembly by removing the steering column trim covers, the Torx screw accessed by rolling the seal on the shift lever back, and the electrical connection that is accessed once the knee bolster trim and bracket are removed.

-Rod

Thanks Rod,
I took the top instrument panel off and the bottom panel off; but I could not see where there was any connection. Do you need to remove the steering column bracket to access to connection? I installed the new boot over the end of the shift lever; however it tore in the process. So now I'm out $24.00 for trying.
Thank you,
Jim

From what I can tell from the service manual information, as assuming you have the Tow/Haul mode with the wiring through the lever, you need to remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds then roll the boot away from the steering column to access a Torx screw. That Torx screw appears to hold the shift lever to the steering column. Once that Torx screw is removed, then you need to remove the knee bolster and plate (trim piece between the lower steering column and the brake and accel pedal, as well as the metal plate behind it) to unplug the tow/haul mode button wiring, then it appears you can remove the lever and the wiring from the steering column to install the new rubber boot.

I've not done this, I'm going off of the limited text instructions and images from the factory service manual.

-Rod

If you would like a PDF of the section in the service manual, send me a Private Message with the request. In the PM please include the model and year of the vehicle along with the specific request (I follow multiple models and offer diagrams quite often so it's tough for me to keep them all straight).

-Rod