Electrical Issue

[wpstarling]

Hey all, I just recently bought my 2002 Explorer XLS and I love it so far, just have a few questions. When I open the drivers door the radio doesn't shut off and the dome light doesn't come on, as if the sensor or what not that knows when the door opens doesn't work. If any other door is opened both seem to work just fine. I tried figuring out which fuse is for the door switch but I can't figure it out, so if someone could tell me that'd be great. I looked in the manual but none of the fuse descriptions matched anything like door sensor. Also if its not the fuse then what else could it be? Also where exactly is the sensor for the drivers door?

I know this may sound like a newb question but I'm not very good with auto electrical systems so any help is good help.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[matt0248]

The door ajar switches feed a control module, I believe it is the GEM Generic Electrical Module) or something like that. So there is no one fuse for the door switches. the switches are located in the door latch. the switches are cheap but can be a beeotch to replace. It would be easier to replace them with the latch out of the door, but sometimes that is a pain in the rear too. These switches are very common to fail.

 

[wpstarling]

Where can I pick up that module? Can I get it at pep boys or someplace like that? And what latch, the actual lock for the door? Is this something that needs the door panel taken off?

 

[matt0248]

THe GEM module is a ford only part.

Yes the actual door latch/lock assembly is where the little switches are located. Yes the door panel has to be removed to access.

Usually what happens when the switch goes bad is that the dome lights and door ajar indicator stay on, even when the door is closed.

 

[wpstarling]

well I guess i'm "lucky" then since those don't come on at all. I'll call Ford and see how much that module is, is it something that needs to be hard wired in or is it more of an unplug and plug in new module kind of thing?

I appreciate your help on this, this is my first Ford so I'm still learning about em.

 

[matt0248]

The module has plug connectors on it. I would check to make sure the door swith is working first. If the other doors work, i.e. the radio turns off and the dome lights come on, I suspect the door switch is the issue. The Module has all the door switches as inputs, so if the functions work for the other doors than the issue is with the drivers door. It is possible that the switch failed in such a way as it thinks the door is closed all the time. OR the connector could have been unplugged, or a borken wire for this sensor. Both would have the same effect.

 

[wpstarling]

OK I'll take a look at it. It seems like the module thinks the door is always shut cause the radio will turn off and the dome light comes on when the other doors are opened so it should just be the drivers door. I'll check the connections before making the next move. Thanks again!

 

[wpstarling]

And you wouldn't happen to have a part number by chance would you? It would be way easier to have that if I have to order that module.

 

[matt0248]

Sorry I don't have the PT number.

 

[miker104]

I would check the switch before I replaced the module

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282959&highlight=door+ajar

Read post #3 on that thread. Sounds like the switch in the drivers door is stuck in the closed position. You may get away with spraying the latch in the door with WD40 to fix your problem. Do the simple stuff first.

 

[wpstarling]

I would check the switch before I replaced the module

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282959&highlight=door+ajar

Read post #3 on that thread. Sounds like the switch in the drivers door is stuck in the closed position. You may get away with spraying the latch in the door with WD40 to fix your problem. Do the simple stuff first.

Thanks, I'm going to try the wd40 when I get home, hopefully that helps

 

[BigRondo]

A lot of the electrical gremlins can be related to broken/damaged wires in the boot between the driver's door and the body. I speak from experience! My problems where corrected by fixing a broken wire.

Here is a great thread for removing the door panel and also deals with the door ajar switch, thanks to borland for the awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249253

Here is a great thread for checking for broken/damaged wires, thanks to synyster for this awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081

Some have also had luck using the "WD-40 Treatment". Hope this helps out!