Door Ajar

[Plati]

2003 Expy. Beater Rustbucket.

Ok ... the door ajar problem is back ... intermittent. Lights up and beeps when I drive. Happily the beeping stops after a few miles and doesn't always happen.

I know I could buy the part and install it BUT on this Rustbucket Beater I'm trying to put as little money into it as possible since it's headed for the junkyard at some unknown time. As long as engine transmission steering brakes tires (essential workers) are all good it's still safe to drive. I keep hearing about all these parts you can't even buy anymore. It's one less job to do that might F up something if I tried it and I think I can live with the status quo. I have a 2014EL where everything works. This 2003 is just my compost hauler/local grocery driver.

So ... my solution is to spin that interior lights wheel all the way down until it clicks OFF. If I don't do that then the lights may stay on all night draining the battery. I can live without interior lights/dash lights pretty easily. I'm nearsighted and can't read instruments anyway.

My question is ... are there any undiscovered (to me) downsides to this?
Is it really a reasonable solution that keeps the Beater moving on the road?
Any downsides other than beeping and no lights?

 

[Don Hall]

Not a very sophisticated link. Suggests it is safe to drive with light on. So, don't spend.

https://repairpal.com/door-ajar-warning-light

 

[BlackCoffee]

Having just gone through a related problem, the door ajar lights feeds the vehicle security module. Always on, may not be as bad as always off. There are systems that respond to the door ajar switch like the radio, lights/key chime, seat adjust, and anti-theft system. If you can still adjust the seat, the other one to consider is the security system. However, if you are going to junk it soon, I wouldn't worry too much. Just drive with a backup plan if you can't get home.

 

[GAINMOB]

theres a full write-up on it...years old though

 

[Plati]

Having just gone through a related problem, the door ajar lights feeds the vehicle security module. Always on, may not be as bad as always off. There are systems that respond to the door ajar switch like the radio, lights/key chime, seat adjust, and anti-theft system. If you can still adjust the seat, the other one to consider is the security system. However, if you are going to junk it soon, I wouldn't worry too much. Just drive with a backup plan if you can't get home.

Ok ... that helps, thanks. I just (this morning) noticed a little red light in the dash that's ON. I've never even seen that before. The theft indicator light. Must be on due to door ajar situation. Not a problem I guess. And no motorized seats so no issue there.

I think when I get time I might fix it just to get rid of the beeping and fun but maybe not.
I, like a LOT of others on here ... like to fix stuff.

It's a game to see how long I can keep this puppy going for the least co$t.
Nice to drive it in winter salt spray and let the 2014 stay dry.

 

[BlackCoffee]

If the door ajar is always on, it is not the plunger pin getting stuck, it is probably a switch failure. This will help a little. Plunger out, door ajar, relay is closed. So, if you have a failed switch, it could be a switch or the wires to the switch are shorted. If you disconnect the switch and the other doors are closed, the door ajar should go away.

The little red light in the center of the dash is the passive security indicator.

 

[Trainmaster]

Mister, have you tried spraying WD-40 into the offending door lock mechanism? That usually works for awhile. But I'll bet you've used up that trick already.

 

[RichardH]

I've had this issue for a while but have not bothered with it. Just hit the reset button after startup to see MPG, miles, trip etc.

I do however want to spend a few dollars and install some new backup sensors to get that function working. It's never worked since I bought it last year.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

If you haven't already, try PBlaster rust penetrant as opposed to WD. If you don't mind the labor though, the switch is only a few bucks. It's just a PITA to swap out.

 

[Plati]

Water Displacing formula#40 tried many times, never did anything.
Had this off & on for 12 years!!

Will try PBlaster.
From pictures of "the fix" ... I had my doubts anything even makes it to that plunger?

With the SES, Door Ajar, seat belt, and low fuel light ON ... looks like Xmas

 

[CaptOchs]

I had this issue on my 2003. I found the door switch for $45! That's crazy. I had to take the door apart to get to the door switch. Once apart I took a small piece of solid copper wire and made a loop. I just unplugged the harness and put the jumper in. I then taped it good with electrical tape to ensure it doesn't pop loose. That was probably 9 years ago. It still works fine to this day. The only inconvenience is the lights do not come on if you open that door and if the door isn't shut tight you wouldn't know. In your 'rustbucket beater' I think that would be a good enough fix and will save you money.

 

[Steven68502]

I actually just replaced this switch yesterday on the drivers rear door. (2003 EB) Tried the WD40 but no go. It is a bit ridiculous the switch was $35 but it works fine now. Took me a bit of searching videos on how to actually pull the latch mechanism out far enough to replace the switch. The videos I found didn’t really cover the part about how to disconnect it from the outside door handle. Finally found one where he was replacing the lock actuator that covered that part. But overall not too bad. I was kind of proud of myself.

 

[Plati]

I actually just replaced this switch yesterday on the drivers rear door. (2003 EB) Tried the WD40 but no go. It is a bit ridiculous the switch was $35 but it works fine now. Took me a bit of searching videos on how to actually pull the latch mechanism out far enough to replace the switch. The videos I found didn’t really cover the part about how to disconnect it from the outside door handle. Finally found one where he was replacing the lock actuator that covered that part. But overall not too bad. I was kind of proud of myself.

can you post link to that video?

 

[BlackCoffee]

WD40 works if the plunger is stuck in and doesn't come out when the door is actually ajar. This is usually what happens when the radio won't shut off. When the door opens, the plunger closes the circuit. If you have a constant door ajar, that means the switch has shorted internally and WD40, to allow the plunger to move, won't help.

 

[Steven68502]

can you post link to that video?

I’m terrible at posting videos. If you search up Provo Beast Audio Installation there should be a video labeled 2003 to 2006 Ford/Lincoln Expedition/Navigator rear door lock fix.