'98 Taurus se Interior light

[vernslife]

Occasionally the interior light will remain on while driving.
The door ajar light stays on-on intrument panel. Doors are tightly closed.

[brokenantimatter]

We need to start making sticky threads for this kinda crap.

There is a door jamb switch in your door that is prone to failure, even if the door is closed it will still think it is open. The part is 13.00usd, 10.00usd if you can get it from a autopart supplier and if I remember right a pain in the ass to change out.

[way2old]

It is not too much of a PITA, but if you have never changed one, you are in for some surprises. The switch is located on the door latch inside the door panel. It sorta twists into place, but unless your fingers are the size of needles, there is not a lot ofroom. For a temporary fix, isolation routine, spray one door latch assembly, inside the door, liberally with penetrating oil. Open and close the door a few times to see which door causes the lights to go out. That is the bad switch. it is usually the drivers side because it gets the most use. Have fun and please use the proper words while working on it.

[GPFred]

Another option to the lubricant is WD40 or better yet, electrical contact cleaner. This is an easy fix and should last. I had the same problem 4 years ago and the problem has not returned.

[zombie13]

I realize it's of little relevance, but this same problem occurs on Windstars with the liftgate. The solution I used what the WD-40 option. Worked like a champ.

Z.

[vernslife]

Originally Posted by zombie13

I realize it's of little relevance, but this same problem occurs on Windstars with the liftgate. The solution I used what the WD-40 option. Worked like a champ.

Z.

Thank you, I'm sure I have several half used cans lying around. One thing I do though- I use exam/latex gloves when using wd40 as it tends to penetrate skin and gives you that Mr. Goodwrench cologne effect for days.

[vernslife]

Originally Posted by GPFred

Another option to the lubricant is WD40 or better yet, electrical contact cleaner. This is an easy fix and should last. I had the same problem 4 years ago and the problem has not returned.

Thank you. I can handle an investment with that kind of return. WD40 it is.
vern

[fragmore]

Exactly, just spray a liberal amount of lubricant in the slot in the door.