boierlman

2003 Windstar driver front door.

I keep getting the dreaded door ajar warning and I know it coming from the driver front door.

I purchased a new door ajar switch from Ford ($30) and replaced the switch. It still has the problem.

I noticed the latch is not fully engaging when closing to trigger the switch. I was able to make things work by triggering the latch (like closing the door) manually with a screw driver. I also noticed some plastic inside the latch that is coming off. So it appears the latch is not moving the last little bit when closing. I tried to adjust the door post metal ring (the one that the latch hits when closing the door) to make the latch work. This did not help.

I think the latch needs to be replaced. I think the cam inside the latch that hits the door ajar switch is worn and not fully engaging the button/switch on the door ajar switch. I also noticed the plastic coming off inside the latch from wear. So I was thinking of replacing the latch assembly that cost about $42.

Any thoughts on this? Does replacing the latch seem like a good approach?