Running Board & Interior Lights Stay on

[garratonr]

My 2002 Ford Excursion's running board and interior lights stay on even if the doors are closed. I'm overseas in Afghanistan and cannot see the vehicle, but this has happened before, but it went away eventually. This time the problem has not gone away and my wife has had to resort to pulling the fuse to resolve the problem for now. I thought it was the computer since the problem began when she started the vehicle with the drivers door open. So, I suggested that she disconnect the battery to clear the computer, but that did not work either. Does anyone know how to fix this, please? With the fuse pulled, the dashboard does not work and she needs to go on a trip soon.

[lionsteve]

It is more then likely in the door switch. I have an 2000 F250 and am having the same problem from time to time. The dang switch is located inside the door, not like the good old days where you could see the switch. There is a piece of metal about 1/4 up from the bottom that if you look slides into the door when closing. I haven't fixed mine yet but was glad to read about the fuse if it happens again at night.... Guess I will have to take it in if I don't sell it first.

Steve

[klplus5]

i have a 02 excursion diesel- had the same problem with the light staying on- had to replace both door switches for the back gate window- the problem does come and go depending on if the switch makes contact- but this cleared it right up.

[yachtdoc73]

I had this happen to my 2000 Excursion and I found that if you open the doors and hatch and spray WD-40 in the lock assembly and open and shut each door or hatch that this will cure the problem.
The sensor has a tendency to get dirty and not function.

Hope this helps!

[mark v]

Yes this is also a problem with Windstars, it is probably the door switch on one of the doors.

[snakie1]

I gues this will be my first post.... The problem is the switch on the rear hatch doors if they are all slammed firmly the lights will go off. I always have to go outside and reshut the doors after the wife becuse she will just close them.

[ssteubing]

YACHTDOC Has the same solution I have used on my 99 f350 and 03 Excursion. The door switches seem to attract dirt and grime. All you have to do is spray a lubricant in the door latch. I personally use graphite powder or silicone spray. The dry graphite powder lubricates, but does not get sticky like other lubricants. This is the same solution used at our local Ford dealer. They claim it is a very common problem.

[Pettroll]

Which fuse is it, I can't get my lights off even after doing the WD 40 lubricant in the latches fix. I need a short term fix of pulling the fuse until I can get this fixed.

[snakie1]

If you pull the fuse ther are a few other things that will stop working.

[mark v]

WD-40 will not fix them. The switches HAVE to be cleaned off first than a good lubricant applied, WD-40 is not a good lubricant.

For the switches the only thing I recommend is Silicone Spray Lubricant, I tried them all and this is the only long term solution.