Ranger Problems

billyjack1

I'm having a problem with my '98 Ranger XL. Intermittently it will sense a "door ajar" when it does my dome light comes on and stays on. Often the light will go out after I shut the truck off. But it stays on a significant amount of time and I'm never quite comfortable leaving it for fear my battery will be dead in the morning. When this is happening I've started to pull the fuse for the dome lights. I know that's no solution. Does anyone have any idea what's wrong?

billyjack1

2k1trd

You need to replace the switches inside the doors to remedy this problem.This is a very common problem with ford vehicles and i have replaced many of them for the same reason on customers cars ans vans.

davidb72

Before you go replacing everything try spraying some WD40 into the door latch area. There are microswitches in there that get gummed up for any number of reasons. Spray it really really good for a day or two and see what happens. This problem is posted on the http://www.fordranger.com/ message board about once a week. Good luck.

billyjack1

Thanks to the respondents.

It's good to know that someone else has seen the problem. I'll try the WD-40 and if that doesn't work I'll replace the switches.

Thanks again.

eharri3

For all Ranger owners considering ripping the door apart to find thecause of the door latch problem, go spend the 2 bucks first and spray it liberally right into the latch. I did it in the Pep Boys parking lot, and by the end of the 5 minute drive home the interior light was working fine.

ed

txroadrunner

my 98 ranger 4 cly 5 speed is beginning to ping around 60 while acellerating or climbing hills. will better octane gas solve this or do i need a comp tuneup. 52kmiles.

kit1404

I know the lube thing works for some, maybe for a long time. But, if you live on dirt roads and if you are still under warranty - take it back to the dealer. There is a TSB out on this problem - this door switch is not a real easy thing to fix and if you can get it fixed, do it and forget the lube. They dry out too soon, should not do this and Ford will probably replace them - even out of warranty for a small price.

tacoma_trd

I have a 98 B2500 and the pinging should stop with higher octane fuel