The switch for the dash lights may be turned all the way up. If you turn this switch down, just a little, the lights should go out. If not, try other light switches. If they all fail, look for a short.
Is door ajar light on also?
check the sensor on the door, its probably bad
98 ford explorer xlt dash light stays off y the switch is on
some how the tail light wire is touching the ajar wire
On my 2002 sportage 2-door, the door ajar light stays on when the tailgate is not locked. with the key.
The door ajar switches are inside the doors mounted on the door latches.
If the door ajar light is coming on in your gauge cluster, and the warning chime is sounding when all your doors, liftgate, and glass hatch are securely shut you most likely have a sticking door ajar switch. The door ajar switches are inside the doors mounted on the latch mechanisms.
i literally just had the same issue with my 203 explorer, followed the advice given on numerous forums and WD-40'd the hell out of each of the latching mechanisms and it seems just fine now.my lights in lincoln navigator wont go out when I close the doors
If the trunk lid isn't actually ajar, the switch has gone out of alignment, or it broke.
The back hatch may be ajar.
I'm not a mechanic / technician but on a 1997 Ford Explorer I believe that if the gauge panel dimmer switch ( to the right of your headlight switch ) is rotated all the way up it will turn on all the interior courtesy lights when the doors are closed Also , is the " DOOR AJAR " warning light on in your dash to the left of the fuel gauge , if so either a door or the liftgate is slightly ajar or a door ajar switch is sticking , I believe that will also keep the interior lights on
dont change it, take it off and clean it!