Door ajar switch revisted
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,534
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From: Warren, MI
Door ajar switch revisted
I know that this has been covered before but I've asked and so have others. Where, exactly is the switch?
I've seen here that it's in the door latch. On my 97 Ranger, I have a thin piece of metal that comes out of the door frame, extends to the edge of the door where the door skin is rolled over and spot welded. It bends easily and feels like it's working a micro switch. Is this what people are refering to, if not, what is this piece of metal?
It's been posted the WD-40 spray inside will cure the problem but I'd hate to drench something inside and have to smell that stuff for who knows how long!
Mine starts to act up when the temperature goes up!
I've seen here that it's in the door latch. On my 97 Ranger, I have a thin piece of metal that comes out of the door frame, extends to the edge of the door where the door skin is rolled over and spot welded. It bends easily and feels like it's working a micro switch. Is this what people are refering to, if not, what is this piece of metal?
It's been posted the WD-40 spray inside will cure the problem but I'd hate to drench something inside and have to smell that stuff for who knows how long!
Mine starts to act up when the temperature goes up!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 303
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From: USA
Door ajar switch revisted
Well...I'm not exactly sure where the switch is in the door panel but like you say, the WD-40 does...well I would say it helps keep the problem from being a constant problem rather than cures it cause with my '96 Ranger it is about every week I gotta spray it again to get it to work right. If you reread some of the postings about the switch and the dome light and stuff you'll find that more people are recommending some electrical spray cause WD-40 supposedly will attract more dirt. From what I've heard to have aftermarket switches put in probably run about $100 or so depending on prices and shouldn't have the problem anymore. Hope this helps some and goodluck.
James
James
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Door ajar switch revisted
If you are talking about the black piece of metal that is above the latch at the same height as the lock on the outside it's the retaining clip for the lock. The switch is inside ther.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 2
From: Warren, MI
Door ajar switch revisted
Ken:
I sort-of figured that out my self while taking a better look at it today. I also noticed that interior light goes on when door handle is lifted even if the door is held shut.
So the switch is really up near the lock then?
I used a electrical contact cleaner called LPS that we use at work, it's the type that flashs off. I sprayed it into the latch area but not the slot where that clip come out.
I sort-of figured that out my self while taking a better look at it today. I also noticed that interior light goes on when door handle is lifted even if the door is held shut.
So the switch is really up near the lock then?
I used a electrical contact cleaner called LPS that we use at work, it's the type that flashs off. I sprayed it into the latch area but not the slot where that clip come out.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: USA
Door ajar switch revisted
Yeah, when the engine is off and you lift the door handle the dome light will stay on for 30 seconds when working normal. But with the bad switches it may not shut off. If you've got one of those spray straws, stick that on whatever you choose to use such as LPS and spray into the lock with the straw. Should work great but its only a temp solution really. Hope this helps some. Goodluck.
James
James
