I sometimes get a situation where the instrument panel says the door is ajar when it is not and the dome light does not want to go out. Usually it will go out after a minute or so. There has been a time or two where I couldn't get it to go off without opening and closing the driver's door a few times. Anyone have any good ideas as to what I should check? I assume the switch is part of the door handle. Any odds on whether it is the switch or some other part?

Randy

1998 F150 XLT 4X4 4.2 5speed blue

 

SEARCH keywords "door ajar wd40"

Steve

 

Spray the door switch heavily with WD40 or other penetrating lube/degreaser. The switch is probably very dirty causing the contacts to gum up.

 

Exactly what happened to me. Little WD = handled.

 

Had the same problem on my 98 5.4L. Nothing that I could do to the door switch would remedy the problem. Finally squirted wd40 into the ignition switch - problem has not returned.

 

Don't get discourged if it doesn't help immediately...it may take a day...maybe 3 for the WD40 to clean the contact....

 

Yep, basically what everyone else said. Load up the latch with wd40 and then open and close it a few times then repeat if it doesn't work right away.

 

OK so exactly what is it that I am supposed to spray with WD40? The lock cylinder in the door handle? or the ignition lock cylinder? or the door latch mechanism? Where is the switch that works the dome light etc? I assume it is part of the door opening mechanism as there is no switch on the door jamb like in the old days.

Randy

 

It is part of the door latch mechanism. Just load it up with WD40.

If that does not solve the problem, then start spraying it into the ignition hole.

good luck