Door Ajar Alarm

LunaZ · #1 03-02-2011, 07:25 PM

My 2000 Ranger XLT extended cab four door regularly sounds the "door ajar" alarm and lights up the indicator on the instrument cluster when I'm going around right-hand turns.
Sometimes it's kind of comical. The alarm makes me think that it's okay to take off my seatbelt and use approved electronic devices, but other times it's kind of annoying... like when I'm getting road head.
I looked around the doorframe and I can't find the usual plunger type of switch that would trigger the alarm. What am I looking for here to rectify this issue?

RedNeckMetalTruck · #2 03-03-2011, 11:52 AM

I have the same problem. My 99 F150 does the same damn thing too.

Clinton · #3 03-03-2011, 12:05 PM

spray the door latches with wd40 or lithium grease, that should solve the problem. Once you spray it open and close the door a few times to work it in

LunaZ · #4 03-05-2011, 03:18 PM

Lube did the trick... thanks!

zx6rrdan · #5 03-05-2011, 03:41 PM

I think this has to be the most common Ranger/B-series problem going.

Doctor Wily · #6 03-05-2011, 09:31 PM

I had a sable that did this often. was annoying. Lube did fix it up though.

LunaZ · #7 03-06-2011, 10:07 AM

I would have had no idea the switch was in the latches!

RedNeckMetalTruck · #8 03-10-2011, 03:24 AM

What about the bulbs behind the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel? How do I get into them to put new ones in?

sortel · #9 03-13-2011, 07:28 PM

I've soaked my latches and today I replaced the door sensors but still seem to be having the dome light issue.
Is there a delay on the dome light going out, I know somecars give you a few mins before the light shuts off.

jighead · #10 03-23-2011, 03:23 AM

I know this is an old post but, I have the same problem and have WD40'd the bottom latches inside the rear doors and still have the "door ajar" idiot light on.

The bulbs and fuse in the dome light had been removed from the previous owner. Would this cause the dash light to still be illuminated? I don't think so.

I see there is a catch at the top of the rear doors and have WD40 them but, no change to the light.
Where the hell is the "door ajar sensors" on each door?
I'm willing to disconnect the sensor wiring. Clipping the wires (as someone mentioned in another post), is not an option.
I just need my dome lights. And want them functional.

jighead · #11 03-23-2011, 04:33 AM

There is much mention from the experienced on the "door ajar" issue to lube / clean the door catches and sensors.
I have attached a pic that depicts the "L" shaped door switch(?) that I have no clue what it is.
This one is on the driver's door and appears to be bent when comparing to the passenger's side.

What is this?
Could this be the cause of my "door ajar" problem?

I was told this is the door lock cylinder retaining clip

RedNeckMetalTruck · #12 03-24-2011, 12:02 AM

if you pull that out the lock come out of the door. where you put the key in.

Drak99 · #13 03-30-2011, 06:05 PM

Not sure but is switch for front doors on inside of kick panel?Picture of switch sure looks like it could be.Mine is doing this too.I will know in a few days when I have time to work on it.

Radness · #14 03-31-2011, 09:54 PM

I tried the WD40 thing, and that did not work. I think I am going to see if I can remove the latches, clean them, and maybe some multi-purpose grease? Kind of frustrating, because I really can't arm my door alarm, unless that is functional.

Radness · #15 04-01-2011, 09:13 PM

Fixed it!

It took some WD40, and manipulation of the latch on the top side of the door to get it to work, but I got it.