Hamfisted
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It's a very common problem with Fords, the driver's door jamb switch. Ford in their infinite wisdom chose to put this pin switch in the door locking mechanism. The same mechanism that gets slammed maybe 30+ times a day (maybe more in a work truck...). Anyway I thought I'd post some pics on the removal and replacement of this little pin switch since I haven't found a whole lot out there on the web. If your dome light doesn't come on when you open the door, or any of the other door open functions, this switch is probably your culprit. The switches are side dependent, so order for the left or right side as needed. The driver's door is most common, so that's where we'll focus.
New door jamb switch from Rock Auto (AirTex 1S3679 $23)....
Start by removing the door panel. 5 screws total and a couple of trim pieces...
Remove the switch and door handle trim pieces by just prying up...
Of course what door panel would be complete without the hidden door handle screws ...
Once door panel is removed you can peel away moisture barrier and fold it out of the way.... it's pretty durable and you won't tear it.
Remove the three Torx screws that retain the lock mechanism ...
With the lock mechanism freed from the door, remove the exterior door handle by removing the two 11mm nuts on either end (accessed from the inside of door...) and remove the two connecting rods from the handle, set it aside out of the way....
Now that the lock mechanism is free all you need to do is flip it up so that you have access to it's bottom area to unplug and twist free the pin switch...
rotate the switch a quarter turn clockwise to release the switch from the mechanism....
This is the bottom of the lock mechanism where the switch mounts/locks in with a quarter turn twist....
This was the old pin switch, notice the ball plunger is mashed down (not even showing anymore...) and will not pop up . No amount of solvent, lube, degreaser, was gonna fix that....
Once you get the new switch in reassembly is a snap. There's actually a lot of room to work inside the door, but you would never be able to twist free the old switch and install the new one without freeing up the lock mechanism and getting it to a place where you can see it. I recommend only lubing the door lock area with silicone spray and not using any type of oils that will collect into the switch and gum up the works.
-Mike
New door jamb switch from Rock Auto (AirTex 1S3679 $23)....
Start by removing the door panel. 5 screws total and a couple of trim pieces...
Remove the switch and door handle trim pieces by just prying up...
Of course what door panel would be complete without the hidden door handle screws ...
Once door panel is removed you can peel away moisture barrier and fold it out of the way.... it's pretty durable and you won't tear it.
Remove the three Torx screws that retain the lock mechanism ...
With the lock mechanism freed from the door, remove the exterior door handle by removing the two 11mm nuts on either end (accessed from the inside of door...) and remove the two connecting rods from the handle, set it aside out of the way....
Now that the lock mechanism is free all you need to do is flip it up so that you have access to it's bottom area to unplug and twist free the pin switch...
rotate the switch a quarter turn clockwise to release the switch from the mechanism....
This is the bottom of the lock mechanism where the switch mounts/locks in with a quarter turn twist....
This was the old pin switch, notice the ball plunger is mashed down (not even showing anymore...) and will not pop up . No amount of solvent, lube, degreaser, was gonna fix that....
Once you get the new switch in reassembly is a snap. There's actually a lot of room to work inside the door, but you would never be able to twist free the old switch and install the new one without freeing up the lock mechanism and getting it to a place where you can see it. I recommend only lubing the door lock area with silicone spray and not using any type of oils that will collect into the switch and gum up the works.
-Mike
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