Door Ajar light stays on

[masospaghetti]

I think one of the latches in my tailgate isn't working right and is keeping my door ajar light on. Is there a way to bypass the switch? What is the best way to troubleshoot this?

 

[crunchie_frog]

You can take off the panel of the hatch and look inside the hatch (where all the moving parts are) and look at where the door latches are on each side. You will see an electrical connection and you can reach inside and disconnect each of these. Otherwise, you can take off each of the latches and you will see the part that is the switch itself. You can try to lubricate the switch, it is just a small nub that goes in and out. Your door could be slightly misaligned as well that is causing it not to make up the switches. Check the gap between each side of the door and the tail lights, they should be the same.

 

[koda2000]

not for nothing, but what makes you think your problem is with the lift-gate switch(s)? it's certainly possible, but it's much more common to have problems with the driver's door switch as it sees much more use/wear than the lift-gate.

 

[DjDom]

Red neck fix.
Just spray WD40 at the latch, it'll get to the switch.

 

[koda2000]

Red neck fix.
Just spray WD40 at the latch, it'll get to the switch.

WD40 on the latches is definitely worth a try. sometimes the switches can be revived with a little lube (and it's easier than removing door panels). spray it down good and give it a day. the switches are located near the top of the latch.

 

[masospaghetti]

You can take off the panel of the hatch and look inside the hatch (where all the moving parts are) and look at where the door latches are on each side. You will see an electrical connection and you can reach inside and disconnect each of these. Otherwise, you can take off each of the latches and you will see the part that is the switch itself. You can try to lubricate the switch, it is just a small nub that goes in and out. Your door could be slightly misaligned as well that is causing it not to make up the switches. Check the gap between each side of the door and the tail lights, they should be the same.

I adjusted the tailgate to get it centered as best I could. It closes properly now at least.

If I disconnect the electrical switch, can I short the pins to make it appear that the door is closed? I will try lubricating the switch as well.

not for nothing, but what makes you think your problem is with the lift-gate switch(s)? it's certainly possible, but it's much more common to have problems with the driver's door switch as it sees much more use/wear than the lift-gate.

With the engine running, when I open any of the passenger doors, I get a chime sound. I don't get a chime from the tailgate though.

Thanks everyone for the replies! Advice is appreciated as always..

 

[delexploder]

Look hard at the one on the latch for the glass, that one acts stupid alot too,

 

[crunchie_frog]

If you disconnect the switches, the door ajar light will go away.

 

[masospaghetti]

It was easy as unplugging the two pin connector on the passenger side tailgate latch. No more warning. Thanks everyone!