6.2
fairly significant- Typical Repair Cost:
- $10
- Average Mileage:
- 98,950 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (4 reports)
- clean the sensors with brake cleaner and steel wool (2 reports)
- remove switch, clean and lubricate (2 reports)
I am sick and tierd of this sh-t this door ajar thing is driving me nuts i have have been a ford man all my life.But I am looking at buying a newer van and starting look away from form like i said for the frist time in my life.If there was only a way to over ride it because i dont no about you but i no when my door is closed lol.thanku.
- Alfred P., Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
My ring a ding started yesterday. It goes off after 15 mph and starts at 15 after braking. I do a lot of in town driving and it is already annoying me to no end. I put on the lubricant at the rear sliding door. Let's see how that goes. If not I will take apart the door and disable the wires.
- Chris B., Palm Coast, FL, US
okay, can anyone tell me how to disconnect the sensor for the door ajar on the dashboard. I have to disconnect the battery to reset this light. Have had it fixed so many times, repair guy thinks we're related.
- cbenson, 7265 Eagle Heights, MI, US
On 3/11/08 my 1998 Ford Windstar door ajar indicator came on. I believe that it is the side sliding door, but cannot be sure as of now. I am looking for a solution. I have cleaned the contacts, but did not use brake fluid like someone suggested. I used a little bit of rubbing alcohol and some light wool. No luck. Anyone with any suggestions. e-mail. maximumsound@talkamerica.net or call 248-360-3938 Thanks, David M .
- David M., West Bloomfield, MI, US
Remove "Door Ajar" switch. Clean the switch and use a graphite type lubricant (I recommend "Dry-Slide") to lubricate the actuator on the switch. Reassemble the switch.
The switches are located inside the door panels, attached to the catch mechanism.
1) Remove interior door panel.
2) Using a T-27 Torx driver, remove the 3 bolts holding the catch in the door. 2a) The door ajar switch is the only part on the mechanism with the 2-wire harness. 2b) The switch is located at the rear catch for the sliding door.
3) Using a small flat screwdriver, gently lift the black tab on the catch mechanism and rotate the switch to remove it from the catch assembly.
4) Using a rag, clean the small round actuator and apply a small amount of graphite lubricant to the actuator and work the switch so it moves freely.
5) Reassemble the catch and the door.
- Brian S., Columbia, PA, US
Problem surfaced as soon as we got the vehicle home in December 1999 after buying used. Problems has periodically resurfaced, sometimes going away while driving, but other times really hangs on and if not noticed for several days can cause a dead battery. I have had to replace several batteries in the last 3 years, and in the last six months have discovered dead battery that recharged enough in 30 minutes to allow starting. It must have to do with the lights staying on. Now with 99,000 miles the right power window has also stopped working. Seems this Windstar has something of an intermittant electrical problem that is a tad irritating.
- Terry F., Pearland, TX, US
My windstar is the third and last Ford that I will ever own. I had a 91 escort, 94 escort wagon, 98 windstar. All 3 had major electrical problems needing an electrical harness replaced. This windstar has never had mechanical problems but when the doors don't register as closed, the lights stay on and while i'm driving, the damn bell dings. When you take out the fuse to make it stop, you lose the windows, windshield wipers and no interior lights. If you want my windstar, take over my payments and you can have the damn thing.
- Randy R., Fairbanks, AK, US
Tried cleaning contacts on switch and sprayed WD40 also but on Sat the problem was worse. Battery started to drain. Charged it back up and problem persisted . Solution: This works 100 percent of the time... Aggro. on light and destroyed it then replaced dome light cover and still looks ok. Light doesn't work but hey , It's a FORD. they made tank parts for the Germans during the war so how reliable can anything be that FORD comes up with. If the van wasn't so cheap I wouldn't have bought it.
- lestie3, Whittier, CA, US