97 ltc

[mike habina]

97 LTC interior lights stay on. door ajar on dash,can't find switch or buttons on door. automatic door lock won't work when car is put in gear

[Towncar]

The autolock wont work while the "door ajar" warning is lit.
It works like this:

Autolock

All doors will automatically lock after all the following steps are completed:

* The autolock feature is activated.
* The driver seat is occupied.
* All doors are completely closed.
* The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
* The gearshift lever is moved into any forward or reverse gear.

After initial lock, all doors automatically relock when any door is opened and then closed except if driver seat is empty or ignition switch is OFF.

To activate the autolock feature:

1. Enter the five-digit permanent entry code into keyless entry keypad.

2. Press and hold the 7/8 button on the keyless entry keypad within five seconds of entering the code.

3. Press and then release the 3/4 button within five seconds of pressing and holding the 7/8 button.

4. Release the 7/8 button on keyless entry keypad within five seconds of releasing the 3/4 button.

To deactivate the autolock, repeat the above sequence.

Give me a few minutes to look at the Door Ajar Switch....
BRB (be right back)

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by Towncar

Give me a few minutes to look at the Door Ajar Switch....
BRB (be right back)

OK, the "Door Ajar" switch is located on the lower side of the door latch mechanism. It may need to be cleaned and lubed, it might be disconnected, or the switch is dead.

Additional sources of failure (although not as likely as the switch) could be the Drivers Door Control module, the Ground Connection to the Door Ajar switch/latch mechanism, the Lead Wire from the Door Ajar switch to the drivers Door Control Module, or the Lighting Control Module. Various tests are outlined in the manual to determine where the problem exists however, the first step is to verify the Door Ajar switch works.

In either case, the door paneling is first removed to expose the door inards. With the glass window fully raised you should be able to see the latch mechanism and the switch wires.

Referencing http://www.p71interceptor.com/doorlatch/ :
You'll see many photo's of the 1998 latch assembly. Your 1997 is very similliar. The function is the same.