my Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020) door ajar light stays on what should I check

Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

487 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix the door ajar light issue in Ford F-150 (2015-2020). Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components to prevent shocks or shorts.

Symptoms

•Door ajar warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard
•Possible chime indicating a door is open
•Inability to lock the doors remotely
•Interior lights remain on when the vehicle is off
•Battery drain if left unattended for extended periods

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect all doors to ensure they are fully closed and latched properly.
2
Check the door switches for any visible damage or disconnection.
3
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the door ajar system.
4
Inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the door switches for signs of wear or corrosion.
5
Test the door switch operation with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning correctly.
6
Verify the operation of the Body Control Module (BCM) for any faults.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•OBD-II scanner
•Multimeter
•Socket set
•Trim removal tools
•Soldering kit

Parts Required

•Door latch switch (if faulty)
•Wiring harness (if damaged)

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect all doors to ensure they are fully closed and latched properly.
2
Check the door switches for any visible damage or disconnection.
3
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any error codes related to the door ajar system.
4
Inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the door switches for signs of wear or corrosion.
5
Test the door switch operation with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning correctly.
6
Verify the operation of the Body Control Module (BCM) for any faults.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the ignition is off.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.

2. Inspect Door Switches

Remove the door panel using a socket set and trim removal tools.
Locate the door latch switch and visually inspect it for damage.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the switch. If there is no continuity when the door is closed, replace the switch.

3. Repair or Replace Wiring

Inspect the wiring harness leading to the door switch for any frayed or damaged wires.
If damage is found, repair the wiring using solder and heat-shrink tubing or replace the entire harness if necessary.

4. Test Body Control Module

Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any BCM-related error codes.
If errors are present, reset them and test the system again. If the issue persists, consider replacing the BCM according to the manufacturer's guidelines.