2003 windstar another door ajar problem - Ford Forums

boierlman · 09-15-2008, 15:53

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?

VirgilLoy · 05-24-2009, 11:46

Hi Boierlman,

My 2006 Freestar does not have anything around the door or door frame that resembles a sensor switch. In the older cars, they used to be very obvious - like a small pushbutton switch. Please tell me exactly where the switches are and how to find them? Do you know where I can get a wiring diagram?

**360ci** · 05-30-2009, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

Before you replace the latch. Make sure the door hasn't 'sunk' down. The average driver uses the door as leverage to get in/out of the vehicle. Over a certain amount of time the hinges/etc will bend ever so slightly. If you can hold the door around the window (with the window down of course), lift it up and hear a 'clunk' noise then that would be the culprit and replacing the switch as you mentioned may solve the problem, but if the alignment is causing problems, then a new switch wouldn't be a wise investment at this point. It always baffled me when a vehicle told me that a door was "a jar" when it's in fact "a door"!