Ford Enthusiast

[mark v]

First of all don't use WD-40 because it is the worst to use because Oil attracts dirt, WD-40 is Oil and that equals even dirtier door contacts. Any Oil is bad to use on electrical contacts that are exposed to the elements.

There is a small electrical switch on every door latch that CAN BE CLEANED, no need to replace the latch on older Windstars.

Remove the door panel, remove the entire latch mechanism, the door switch usually can be removed, clean switch, use only Silicone Spray Lubricant to lubricate switch, reassemble the door.

Some switches may be beyond repair and can easily be found at a dealer or salvage yard.

Side sliding door contacts can be cleaned with an Eraser or some steel wool or very light sandpaper. After cleaning and contacts are shiny, coat them with a small amount of dielectric grease or just leave uncoated.

I do regular maintenance on my sliding door switches cause the door is used so much and if I don't coat it with dielectric grease it fails fast and when I use the dielectric grease it last longer but also gets dusty. I usually clean this contact once a year. These contacts only need a light coating, no need to use a lot. I only use a small amount as big as a Pencil Eraser head and that will coat all 8 contacts, 4 on door and 4 on the door jamb.

Why do I recommend Silicone Spray Lubricant? I tried everything to clean these switches and make them work, everything I tried failed especially WD-40 was the worst. Silicone Spray Lubricant goes on wet then dries out and leaves a film that does not attract dust like other lubricants. I am going about 2 years or more since I cleaned my faulty switches and used Silicone Spray Lubricant, other Oil's/Lubricants lasted a few months or more, nothing lasted or worked in the Winter or Summer like Silicone Spray Lubricant.

You can also use Silicone Spray Lubricant on all your door Weather Stripping so your doors don't freeze up in the Winter. Apply on a rag and rub on Weather Strip till shiny once a year.

Silicone Spray Lubricant also works on door locks if your Key is sticky. Spray in Key hole and turn the Key back and forth. Graphite Lubricant is the best for the Key hole but is very runny.

Graphite Lubricant can also be used for the door switches too.