Explorer 2002 Center lock not working good It closed but not open

the child safety lock is normally a small lever at the edge of the door and has no effect on closing a door
it just prevents the door from being opened on the inside
what may have happened is that the door lock mechanism is in the 1/2 closed position and will not allow full lock (close) to occur
place a small screw drive under the latch or tongue of the lock and pull out as you press the door handle as if opening the door
that should then place the latch in the correct position for latching the door when closed properly

This is not a good thing. Ford uses a computer called the GEM and that means General Electronics Module. It controls:

• Low Coolant Indicator On Cluster
• Brake Indicator on Cluster
• DRL - Control
• Wipers
• AutoLamps
• Rear Defrost
• Interior Lamps(dome)
• High Beam Indicator only (cluster)
• Low Coolant indicator
• Key-in Buzzer
• Seatbelt indicator only (Cluster)
• Trunk Pop Relay
• Power Locks
• Door Ajar Sensors
• Door Keyless entry pad
• Remote Keyless Entry
• One Touch Down (power window)
• Air Bag Tone
• Anti Theft (perimeter Alarm) (SEL, or SE(s) with mods)
• Lift gate ajar (wagon)
• Liftgate Pop
• Accessory Delay signal (accessory that work after engine off, prior to door ajar)
• Battery Saver Relay signal (accessory that work after engine off, 15 mins) Map lights, vanity mirrors

They are located behind the radio in the dash and they are $$$ about 600 USD.

If they have a problem of the fuel "kicking off" while filling, it probably has a problem with the evap "vent solenoid." This opens and closes your evap system. This problem would possibly turn on a check engine light. Make sure the light works, and goes out when started. Of course you will need to get it diagnosed to verify the issue. If it is the vent solenoid, it's not an expensive fix, if done by a good mechanic.

Mine just started doing the exact same thing tonight. I disconnected the battery to change a DPFE sensor and when I reconnected I had this problem. I also have auto headlamps and they are not working either. I don't know what is wrong, I checked all the fuses also and everything looks good. I wonder if it is a relay??? I will make sure I respond to you if I find a solution.

To properly answer your question I would need to know if you're Ford Explorer is an early build or a late build. Early builds use a GEM Controlled System and the late builds use a ICM Controlled System to operate the power windows. Here is a link to how your power windowsoperate on your vehicle.
https://www.scribd.com/document/14896086/2002-Explorer-Power-Window-System-Diagnosis

i would look at all of my plugs

Aside from the fuses, your drive side power door lock may be failing to work because of a bad door-lock relay system, or, alternatively, the locking switch/button, itself, is not malfunctioning and in need of replacement.

A great handyman site that specifies the above probable causes and more is the following link:
http://yourhandymanzone.com/Your_Handyman_Zone_How_To_Pages_Vehicle_Car_Zone_Cars_Trucks_Vans_Locks_Power_Locks_Do_Not_Lock_When_Pressing_Locking_Switch_Button.htm

Good luck!

Check to be sure the latch assembly is released the explorers were bad for the assembly getting rusty or sticky, oil it up good and open and close the lock mechanism several times to insure its operating easily, you may have to open it first if it appears closed with the tailgate up

I had this problem on my 2003 explorer and took WD40 and gave the lock mechanism a good dose where it meets the clasp on the door jam. Then open and close the doors a couple of times to get them working. They get gummed up and sometimes have a tendency to stick.

Instead of a lock smith, you can use something to help pry open the top corner of the door. Then use a yard stick or something like that to hit the unlock button. It will save ya $40. That is if you have power locks, which I assume you do.