The Ford dealership sells the cables and also a cable/latch assemble for your van. The assembly is easier to install unless you are a really good and patient mechanic. My dealer printed a schematic out for me that really helped.
Inside the door, on the back of the door latch/lock assembly.
AnswerIt is on the back side of the door latch assembly inside of the door.
the door ajar switches are part of the door latch assembly in the door
Pull the door panel off, remove the door latch assembly from inside the door, and replace the switch which is hold onto the latch with one screw on the backside of the latch.
diagram for replacing cable to door handle latch 1992 for econoline van
Probably about 150
The door ajar switch is located on the backside of the door latch assembly, and is accessed inside the door by removing the door trim panel.
Answer The rear door latch is actuated both from the inside and outside door handles via a cable for each of the handles. The failure is in the individual cable assembly which clips into keepers at both the latch and respective door handles. The failure lies in the plastic retainer/clip that goes into metal retainers on the latch and the handles becomes brittle with time from deterioration from temperature variations. These cables should be replaced in pairs otherwise one will be taking the door apart again. While this is not impossible as a "do it yourself job" it is very difficult without a well illustrated manual to guide you as there are several door items which must be correctly removed to access the cables and the latch assembly which must be removed to attach the new cables. The repair begins with the door open (if possible) and removing the lower interior door panel which will provide access to four hex screws retaining the license plate holder/door handle assembly. (note: remove the license plate light lense from outside the vehicle before removing the assembly) Gently pull the license plate holder assembly outward and disconnect the rod to the lock and the electrical cable which has a connector (white) in the lower part of the door. If it has been impossible to open the door with either handle it will be necessary to release the latch by pushing on the release lever with a screw driver or other approprate tool. It is necessary to disconnect the rods to the electric door lock actuator if so equipped before removing the latch assembly. The latch assembly is held in place with three Torks type fasteners. Once the latch assembly is out install the new cables and re-assemble by reversing the removal procedures.
Your door latch is not functioning properly or your "Door Ajar" switch isn't functioning. Try WD40 in the door latch. If that doesn't work, you may have to remove the latch assembly and clean it, then work it manually for a while my ranger took about 30 minutes to free up the latch spring.
On the door a few inches below the latch assembly...
The door handle/latch assembly is a single piece that is riveted to the door. I needed to replace mine because the springs that place tension on the door handle had snapped. I removed the interior door elements using a flat bladed plastic rivet popper. There are also various screws that attach the armrest and window controls, however, it is fairly straightforward. Once the interior door components are removed, you will have partial access through the metal door to the handle/latch assembly. I purchased a new handle/latch assembly from Ford for about $30. I carefully drilled the old rivets out from the exterior and disconnected the metal rod that controls the latch on the door edge. You will be able to remove the assembly at this point. Since I did not have comparable rivets to re-attach the new assembly, I found short pan head bolts with lock washers at the hardware store. The bolts are flush from the exterior and are visually hidden by the handle. Re-assemble in reverse. Repair is over 1 year old with no reported problems. I have photos of the handle/latch assembly from inside the door if you need further info.
The door latch and rods should already be in place BEFORE mounting the window and lock guts into the door. If the latch is secured correctly, and the rods in the proper position, connecting them to the door guts is common sense business.