Why does the door ajar light stay on and the over head light in a Ford Taurus?

Answer 1

== == This is a common problem and is caused by the door switch plunger sticking (due to dirt, other elements or rust). This can often be corrected by performing the following: 1. Thoroughly spray the door switches (on each door) with: * Cleaning spray - clear the sludge out of the mechanism - electronic contact cleaner, carb, brake, etc

* Air, canned or even better, from a compressor

* Spray lubricant - a dry lube (best), silicone spray, WD-40 or similar

2. Open and close each door several times to work the lube into the mechanism This is usually sufficient to clean the electrical & plunger mechanism inside the door switch. If this doesn't work, you could remove the door panel and do the spray treatment from the inside also.

This approach works for most, but the switch may have to come out for repair (see Windstar "Related Question" below), or replacement. I just bought a 1998 Ford Taurus SE and right away I noticed the Dome light wasn't even coming on. The 2 map lights did work. I asked the previous owner about it, but he had no idea. Today I bought a new bulb and noticed that the light stays on forever, and the door ajar icon stays lit. I read through some of the responses posted for the problem, so I tried the WD-40 idea and it fixed it in 30 seconds. What you need to do is spray light lubricant (WD-40) on the drivers door latch. This is right at the end of the door (where is swings away from the car). You'll see the latch looks like plastic. Give it a few sprays, then open and close the door several times. If it works, the light should go off in about 30 seconds, and the door ajar light will go out. What must be happening is that the door closes, but something is sticking, not allowing the switch in the door to close. Spraying on the lubricant loosens this up, and in my case fixed it right away. Hope this helps. Regards, Doug The door ajar switch on each door sends a signal to the GEM module that the door(s) is ajar and this module illuminates the door ajar light and the interior courtesy/map lights. I would suspect that it's more likely one or more of your door ajar switches inside the doors, located on the backside of the door latch assemblies are sticking.

Relay switch for the door ajar light is bad.it is located above the fuse box.have 96 Ford Taurus same problem ---- Taurus everything - http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/index.php? A switch on the light itself is on, a bad door switch that is grounding all the time, if controled from dash light dimmer switch, is it turned on. Any possiblity dome light is in contact with roof and grounding out there? The light should have power to it all the time and the door switches provide the ground. its build into the mechanism, you need to remove door panel and get a llight and look inside unplug it turn it a quarter turn left ir right depending on the door once out shoot a little WD40 on it the little ball is usuall stuck or buy one at dealer they are only like 20$ I have a 96 Taurus GL and the the door switch is integrated into the door latch itself. If you are having problems with your dome light staying on and the door open indicator being lit with all the doors closed, you may try spraying some WD-40 into the latch to free up the switch. I know this because this has happened to me. If you need to replace the switch, you can remove the interior door panel and replace it from the inside. Hope that helps. The door switches are located inside the door right under the latch. They are a constant problem. Sometimes you can "ungum" them by soaking the latch mechanism in WD-40 or another brand of contact cleaner or rust penetrant. I had to do this on my 1998 Taurus SE. The switch is in the drivers door latching mechanism inside the door. Disconnect the battery, disassemble the drivers door inside door panel and you can get to the back side of the latching assembly. If I remember correctly, you need a Torx driver to remove the latching assembly from the outside of the door with the door open. I got a used latch from my local boneyard by slashing through the outside of a damaged door. It helped me see all of the rods and connectors hooked to the latching assembly. I replaced the assembly in my car with the used one and my "door indicator" problem went away. About 1 hour of work when you have the part. Steve WD-40 works best without having to replace any parts. Completely soak the hinges and open & close the door a few times, and the light should go away. My SHO had this same problem. If your interior lights are staying on, and "door ajar" iss lit up on dash, just take some WD40 and spray it into the latch assy. on all the doors. The switch is located in there and this will free it up so it works. I've had to do it to my 97 Taurus several times. First check to see if the light switch is not set to dome on, then check the door switches, they shut the light off when the door is closed.

Answer

The problem seems to be fixed now! I thought I had an electrical problem but it turned out to be more mechanical. I did what the person did that had the Ford truck, with the same problem. I used WD-40 on all 4 door latches. I had immediate and positive results. If things change I'll let you know.