2003 Ford Explorer door ajar, puddle light, and interior light combined problem

2003 FORD EXPLORER
126,000 MILES • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RBECK_V
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  • 2 POSTS
I can use my dimmer switch to turn on the panel lights in the car no problem. If I open the door though every single light in the car, including the door ajar warning light comes on and stays on (This happens when opening any door). I have to turn the dimmer switch all the way off to get turn off the lights. I can use the dimmer switch to turn up and down the lights on the actual guage panel but if I click it all the way up, everything lights up and the problem is recreated.

My driver-side mirror puddle light (located under the mirror) is permanently out as well. I tried replacing it with the recommended bulb, as well as a few others that were recommended, no-go. If I leave the bulb out, the door ajar warning light comes on permanently. If I put any bulb back in the door ajar light stays out.

If I buckle my seatbelt, the seatbelt warning light goes off, but if i unbuckle myself the light stays out as well. (just gee-wiz information I dont really care about that)
Feb 17, 2011 at 5:12 AM
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RBECK_V
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As I sidenote I guess I should have said that even when I close the door, the lights stayed on along with the door ajar light.
Feb 17, 2011 at 5:23 AM
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BMRFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 19,053 POSTS
Door switch is a very common issue
what worked for me 90% of the time is penetrating oil
start with drive door
spray door latch close and open door few times and spray again close and open door (repeat few time and on all door )to be exact the use of a scanner can be very helpful as it can communicate with the BCM and you can check for codes and if any door switch is defective
Feb 17, 2011 at 12:33 PM
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