Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

97 Explorer Liftgate problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 06:58 PM
  #1  
Boss_358's Avatar
Boss_358
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
Club FTE Silver Member

97 Explorer Liftgate problem

I'm having a problem with the liftgate on my wifes 97 explorer that im hoping someone can possibly help me with. There is a switch bad or something causing it to leave the door ajar light on, and leaving the lights on for a long period of time. I have searched though the Ford Service Manual with not much luck. Now if it is a switch where is it? Is it located in with the Hinges? Or could there possibly be another problem causing this? I am pretty sure the liftgate is the suspect in this one. Thanks gang.
 
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 09:08 PM
  #2  
87 XLT's Avatar
87 XLT
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Theres a left and right lift gate ajar switch and a wiper disable switch. These are all spliced together. When you open the glass or the gate the switches close & ground the GEM.

Sounds like one of these switches is stuck closed.

The wiper switch is just below the wiper motor. The door ajar switches are on the sides about midway between glass and bumper.

Maybe a shot of WD-40 on the switches will fix this.
 
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 09:12 PM
  #3  
txpointman's Avatar
txpointman
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
switch

I've got a 97. My switch is at the top left side of the frame, right by the hinge. Try depressing that with the gate open, and remember the delay light turn off, so depress it with the key in the on position. Hope this helps some.
 
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 10:00 PM
  #4  
Boss_358's Avatar
Boss_358
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
Club FTE Silver Member

Thanks guys. I got the panel off the gate right now and am messing around a little. I am now thinking it might be the wiper disable switch. I don't think the rear window was opened that much by the previous owner so I of course opened it. This might have caused the switch to stick or whatever. I can tell they didn't use the lock much either because I cant get the key to work in it. I'll let you know what I get figured out.
 
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 10:39 PM
  #5  
Boss_358's Avatar
Boss_358
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by 87 XLT
The wiper switch is just below the wiper motor. The door ajar switches are on the sides about midway between glass and bumper.
Are the switches acually a part of the latch itself though? I can't find anything else besides the wires that run up to the latches. I wound up spraying all 3 with some lithium grease and opening and closing both the window, and the liftgate several times. Problem seems to be solved. Thanks again.
 
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2005 | 12:15 PM
  #6  
87 XLT's Avatar
87 XLT
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
The switch locations I mentioned are according to what is shown in the Ford "electrical & vacuum troubleshooting manual" for a 97 Explorer.

A friend of mine traded his 97 & gave me the manual, & i've never seen the switches.

I guess you're not finding the switches on the sides of the liftgate??
 
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2005 | 07:35 PM
  #7  
Jharger's Avatar
Jharger
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix
Not sure if Ford changed the general assembly in 97 compared to my 93. It has only one switch and it's integral to the left side latch assembly in the door itself. So If I want to open the hatch and turn off the light to save the battery, I just close that latch by hand and then hit the door open lever again before I go to close the hatch.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mediaman67
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
13
Feb 7, 2018 04:45 PM
thepicklesonice
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
1
Dec 19, 2016 02:28 PM
husker3in4
Escape & Escape Hybrid
8
Feb 6, 2014 05:58 PM
CassB
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
4
Dec 26, 2013 11:01 AM
hoppy1118
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jun 30, 2012 10:59 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:36 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE