HELP! Draining battery.

[xxxcelise]

I have a 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer. When I turn off my car and remove the key from the ignition, the radio AND lights underneath the buttons in all four doors stays on. It's finicky though, sometimes not happening and sometimes happening. I'm not sure what to do... any suggestions?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section.

 

[swetrid]

You have either bad door ajar switch or you have broken wiring in the driver door.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome to the forum!

What swetrid said!!

I had similar electrical issues with my 02 xlt. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, the driver side puddle light didn't work, the keypad on the door would set off the alarm when I pressed it, the door ajar light would flash and beep at highway speeds, etc.

A lot of electrical issues can be traced back to broken/damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver's door. I found a broken wire and repaired it and all is back to normal!

Could also be related to the door ajar switch.

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

That is a great write up.

On a side note, before going through a complete replacement of the switch, you can spray WD40 into the door latch opening on each door, as these become stuck sometimes....and this can alleviate the issue.

This worked for me, after going for more than a year of the "door ajar" light coming on occasionally...mainly after a car wash, high humidity, or rain....making me unable to lock/arm the vehicle from the door keypad and keeping the dome lights on. Worth a try....it worked for me

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

Hope this helps out! :biggthump