How to disable tailgate light switch

[qwertydog]

After having a flat battery in my '02 Windstar caused by the tailgate being open all day, I decided to do something about it.
The solution is an easy fix that anyone can do.
Here's the procedure : Open tailgate, remove pull down handle, remove 2 X head screws 1 each side of plastic panel, pull panel off tailgate, unplug wires from both latches, remove 2 or 3 inches of outer covering from wires near the plugs, join the 2 wires together at each plug, install the plugs back on the latches, put the plastic panel back on, put the pull down handle back on and you are done.
Now when I am at an outside function I can have the tailgate open all day.
Note : This does not affect any other door lights or the remote locks.
Enjoy !

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by qwertydog

After having a flat battery in my '02 Windstar caused by the tailgate being open all day, I decided to do something about it.
The solution is an easy fix that anyone can do.
Here's the procedure : Open tailgate, remove pull down handle, remove 2 X head screws 1 each side of plastic panel, pull panel off tailgate, unplug wires from both latches, remove 2 or 3 inches of outer covering from wires near the plugs, join the 2 wires together at each plug, install the plugs back on the latches, put the plastic panel back on, put the pull down handle back on and you are done.
Now when I am at an outside function I can have the tailgate open all day.
Note : This does not affect any other door lights or the remote locks.
Enjoy !

Thanks for posting as it will help someone in the future.

[kevink1955]

Having the tailgate open should not kill the battery, the lights should go out within 10 to 20 minutes. Something is wrong with the body control module or the accessory relay. What you did will cover up the current problem but keep an eye on other functions like brake lights, turn signals and backup lights as they are controled by the same module.

[olopezm]

It's a good suggestion but I wouldn't plug the connectors in again, current will always follow the path with the least resistance (that's the union between both wires). If the problem were the lights being on all the time wouldn't have just been easier to move the dimmer switch all the way down?.

Oscar.