Door Lock Switches Staying Illuminated - WHY?

[Wharf-Creek]

Hey Forum, I have a 2002 Explorer Sport, had it about a year now, and been trying to get it 'sorted out' since my purchase nearly a year ago. I'm still trying to fix a vibration....so bad I can't really take it on the highway for any distance without vibrating so badly I think the panels are going to crack. But, that's another thread!! For now, suffice it to say that I have what is something I'm now looking at as being a 'new problem'. Tonight on my way back home from Dinner out I noticed that my PRNDL indicator on the dash was showing as being in "P" while I was driving down the road. So, had to take the dash apart to fix that problem....but while doing so I noticed that after the headlight and interior light timers had 'timed out', the door lock switches on both door were still illuminated. Interior lights had turned off, window switch illumination had turned off, and so did the head lights. In fact, the only thing 'on' appeared to be the small red 'theft' light that blinks on the dash, along with a red, blinking LED that's also part of the anti-theft system. I've not noticed these door lock switches being illuminated before......but I'm not sure if they're supposed to be, or not. So, any help here would be appreciate. Are they on a separate timer that may be stuck? Are they supposed to stay on? Any advice would be appreciated. And, if you want to talk about my vibration, PM me and we can talk!! Many thanks, Tom D.

 

[ChallengerDave]

Im pretty sure those stay on for a period of time. I know mine does at least my 04 ST. IIRC I think the door lock switches stay on longer.

 

[Wharf-Creek]

Interesting!! I just went out to take a look...... and sure enough, the door lock switch illumination had shut off on both doors. So......I guess you're right.....the lock switch illumination DOES have a different 'schedule' that the rest of the illumination on the car. Sheesh........I wonder why Ford decided THAT was necessary????? Anyway, in the absence of a Ford explanation, and going on the premise that you're correct.......I thank you muchly for the info......and I guess I'll just keep an eye on this to see if it's consistent or not. If anyone else can support this response as being correct, I'd appreciate it. Seems odd, although it also does appear that it is 'so'!! With that, all I need to do is fix this vibration and I'll finally have a nice truck. Maybe I'll go post that problem again and see what responses I get. Many thanks ChalDave! BTW.....32 Years with Chrysler Corp!! Nice cars those old Challengers!! Tom D.

 

[BigRondo]

I have an '02 four-door and this is how mine works.

The door lock button is illuminated as long as the exterior lights are on.
The window button is illuminated until the accessory delay goes off.

 

[Wharf-Creek]

Hey Rondo,

Well........yours is different even yet. Mine had the window switch illumination going 'off' when the timer quit for the exterior lights 'timed out'....but the door lock switches did NOT go off at that point. Those switch illuminators lasted longer and I don't really know how long it took for them to go off.......cuz I didn't wait that long. But, due to what I consider to be 'on-going problems' with this truck.......I've sold it!! I think I'm heading to Jeep or Dodge! TSD

 

[BigRondo]

Sorry to see you go. Good luck with whatever you decide to get!!

 

[Wharf-Creek]

Well, this forum has been REALLY helpful......and while I won't miss the truck, I will miss the involvement with the Forum-folks!!

thanks for all the help,

Tom

 

[Exproblems]

I think I'm heading to Jeep or Dodge! TSD

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