1996 Explorer dome lights & rear wiper

[Bob w]

I'm new to this forum and need some help. I have a 1996 Explorer that has developed a problem with the dome lights remaining on and the door ajar message displayed. The rear window wiper has also quit working and I think it may be related to the dome lights remaining on. I suspect a problem with the liftgate switch but I can't find it or the switches for any of the other 4 doors either for that matter. I think the switch must be incorporated into the latch mechanism. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to find this switch and to repair it? Thanks.

[GIN]

I agree - I think the problem is with the rear door switch. Try to slam the door several times, if that don't work, spray some WD40 on the lock mech... on each side of the door.
Let me know if this helps/Mike

[Tugger]

Mike, I am having the same exact problem as Bob. I used WD-40 and nothing works. Do you have any suggestions? I appreciate your help, Tom

[Tugger]

Originally Posted by Bob w

I'm new to this forum and need some help. I have a 1996 Explorer that has developed a problem with the dome lights remaining on and the door ajar message displayed. The rear window wiper has also quit working and I think it may be related to the dome lights remaining on. I suspect a problem with the liftgate switch but I can't find it or the switches for any of the other 4 doors either for that matter. I think the switch must be incorporated into the latch mechanism. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to find this switch and to repair it? Thanks.

BOB !!!! I found out the problem !!!! After experiencing the exact same problem as you and taking apart all the doors and hatch, I found your problem. It was my problem too until now. After nearly pulling my hair out and leaning in the back window, I unplugged the rear window sensor since I had the hatch trim cover off. When I did this, the wiper started working, the door ajar light went off and the dome lights went off. The window sensor is BAD !!! Unplug it and replace it or don't replace it. That is the problem !! I hope yours is the same and we can get our cars operating again. Tom

[TD1932]

I had the dome light problem on my '99 Explorer XLT.

In my case the rear wiper worked, so that ruled out the rear door latch. I sprayed P Blaster (an heavier duty penetratring spray than WD40) into each door latch, left them standing open after spraying. I then went around to the first door and slammed it 8-10 times, then left it closed. After slamming each door going back around the truck, when I got to the last door, slam-slam-slam-shut ; looked inside and the lights were off!

I couldn't believe it. I spend the better part of 3-4 hours checking relays and stuff. This really works!