2003 Ford Explorer Logo
Posted on Oct 25, 2008
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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DOOR AJAR LIGHT (bad sensor?)

The power locks , power mirrors not working. int. dome light has to be manually turned off.I think the door ajar sensor in the drivers door needs replacing.where is the location and any tips on replasing it?

  • Anonymous Nov 04, 2008

    my drivers door is open too, I dont know how to get my lights off! my car barly starts now casue the lights are on all night!!!

  • Calirock11 Dec 08, 2008

    I have the exact same problem.  Hint first:  If your dome lights do not go off all night use the dimmer and turn all the way down until it clicks.  That will keep your battery from dying.  Back to my issue.  Same as other person and I am convinced that it is the sensor.  You do not, however, need to purchase the entire lock mechanism.  I finally after four hours go to it.  To replace see:  http://sparkysanswers.blogspot.com/2008/...


    Notice that it is a bear.  Also order the part ahead of time.  It is called a door sensor switch.  I had my door completely apart and then called the autoshop and takes two days to get it.  So now I am in the same situation I was in this morning.  Some people report spraying WD40 into the latch assembly and it fixed the issue.  So I tried that and still no luck.  Must wait for next weekend.  May buy the part and take it to a mechanic.


    Also for the life of me, I cannot understand the reason for the auto locks and mirrors not working.  Any insights?



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  • Posted on Oct 25, 2008
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I'm pretty sure that they are integral to the door lock assembly on that model, would need to replace the whole door lock if that is the case. Best to get the Ford dealer to plug in their computer and check the signals from the door locks to see which one is at fault. Check central locking and power mirror fuses first, if no power to door locks then the door ajar sensors will have no power as well.

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Courtesy or Dome Lamps Always On
Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Did you perform the Lighting Systems Diagnostic System Check?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems
2
Use the Scan Tool in order to command the courtesy lamps OFF.
Do the courtesy lamps turn OFF?
YES - Go to Step 4
NO - Go to Step 3
3
Test for a short to ground in the courtesy lamps control circuit (156). Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - System OK
NO - Go to Step 7
4
Test for a short to ground in each door jamb switch circuit:
• Circuit 394-Driver door
• Circuit 395-Passenger door(s).
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - System OK
NO - Go to Step 5
5
Test each door jamb switch for proper operation. Refer to the following:
• Open switch with the door closed
• Closed switch with the door open
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find a malfunctioning door jamb switch?
YES - Go to Step 6
NO - Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
6
Replace the malfunctioning door jamb switch. Refer to Door Jamb Switch Replacement in Doors.
YES - Is the repair complete?
NO - System OK
--
7
Important: Perform the set up procedure for the body control module.
Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration .
Replace the body control module. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.
Did you complete the replacement?
System OK
Instal the door jamb switch wire harness.
Install the door jamb switch (2).
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Dome light and outside mirror lights stay on

if your door ajar light stays on, spray some wd-40 into the latch and work it a few times. the sensors tend to get stuck and a little wd-40 (or other lubricant) frees it up pretty good. A simpler check would be to make sure that the over head lights are turned off on the dash!!!
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the switches are in the door jambs around the hinges. One by one give each one a shot of penatrating oil and work the switch manually with your thumb, watching the int. light at the same time until it works freely. Please post your results.
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