Door ajar, when they're not - Ford Forums

Rickporgera · 09-14-2007, 04:42

Can anyone tell me where the door-close sensors/buttons might be on an '01 Explorer..?

Despite now regularly walking around the car, and slamming all doors, I find the door ajar signal is constantly coming on, on the dash. Not only that, on the rare occasion when I let the missus drive it, the puddle and interior lights stay on, because it thinks a door is still open, and consequently I have had to outlay for 2 new batteries so far this year.

I'm hoping that I can locate the sensor in each door, so I can clear any blockages that might be causing the error message on the dash...but somehow, I just know it's not going to be as simple as that.

Appreciate any help anyone can give me here...I'm desperate.

Cheers.

fraxinusalba · 09-17-2007, 09:24

They are located on the door latches inside the door. You have to remove the door panels to access them. The wiring connector is located on the top towards the outside. You should be able to reach the connector without removing the latch. One caution on the plastic retaining clip - they are brittle on these connectors and break easily.

If you have to remove the latch, the connecting rods between the latch and door lock, inside and outside door handles are held in place by plastic clips. The power door lock actuator and latch has to be removed together as the connecting rod has a Z bend on the end.

Rickporgera · 09-17-2007, 14:45

frax mate,
Thanks for that info. Nothing is as simple as it used to be, eh..? That'll give me something to do on my next break. First thing I now have to do is figure out which door is responsible for the error signal on the dash, rather than strip all the doors so I can have a rummage.

Thanks again...much appreciated.

thefonz · 09-17-2007, 16:12

To help isolate your problem, try a shot of WD40 or PB Blaster. Do one latch at a time and open and shut the door a few times,(no heavy slam, just normal open and close) if the light stays on, go to the next latch till you find the one.

Rickporgera · 09-17-2007, 22:54

Thanks Fonz,

I never even thought of that. I'll give it a burl and see how I get on. Thanks for the help...it may just save me a lot of grief and tears.

Cheers,

Rick Brittain
Cairns, Qld. OZ.

Rickporgera · 10-04-2007, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefonz

To help isolate your problem, try a shot of WD40 or PB Blaster. Do one latch at a time and open and shut the door a few times,(no heavy slam, just normal open and close) if the light stays on, go to the next latch till you find the one.

Thanks for that suggestion. I gave all locks a quick squirt of DWF, and bingo. Good as gold. All I have to do now is find a local panel shop that can replace the split cover panel on the tail gate, and I'm laughing.