When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 2003 ford explorer eddie bauer edition, recently im having problems with the lights. they stay on for a long time after the truck is turned off. the door ajar light is on with all the doors closed, im sure its the problem how do you pinpoint which door has the problem? any help would be appreciated. also the radio used to stay on with the key turned off till you opened the door now it shuts off as soon as the key is turned off.
most common door switch is drivers door since it gets the most use. you can try to soak it good external with WD40 or other penetrant... if that dont work, you need to take off the door panel... to start, poke the nozzle into the latch and other visible hole and soak it good.. switch is stuck.
It sounds like you have the VERY common issue with a stuck door pin switch which is addressed in several threads on this forum. Since the driver's door typically sees the most use, it is the most likely suspect. Also don't forget it could also be the rear liftgate.
As mentioned in the other threads and posts on the topic, you can often get more service out of the switches by liberally spraying electrical parts cleaner in to the lower portion of the door latch mechanism. I don't recommend WD-40 like many others use because WD-40 is not intended as an electrical cleaner. It is however more common than electrical parts cleaner.
I've used Caig brand De-Oxit followed by an application of Caig Preserv-It with very good, long term results.