Door ajar light stays on... - Diesel Forum

TXMoose · 02-26-2007, 10:59 PM

We seem to have an intermittent door ajar light that satys on for a say of traveling around town...The lights eventually cycle off, but the idiot light still stays on...We get out an try to firmly re-shut each door but to no avail...then like nothing happened, it goes back to normal...
Anybody else experience this??? If so is there a standard culprit??
Thanks.
Robb

TXMoose · 02-27-2007, 08:55 PM

nobody??? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
With all the little nuances of these beasts nobodys heard of this one?? hmmmm...

Hoowasat · 02-27-2007, 09:29 PM

[ QUOTE ]
nobody??? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
With all the little nuances of these beasts nobodys heard of this one?? hmmmm...

[/ QUOTE ]

I apologize if I sound like a smarty-tail or something, but that particular subject has been addressed many, many, MANY times, and then some more.

I'm guessing folks are getting tired of talking (and typing) about them. If you can, do a search and you should find pages of info relative to the infamous door-ajar switches.

TXMoose · 02-28-2007, 01:20 AM

Very well then, however I dont get this fairly weak search engine to ever cough up much and...I cant tell you how many times Ive see the "suspension upgrades", "what size tires can I fit on a 7" rim", or "what kinda guages should I use?" that get re-answered every single time...

TXMoose · 02-28-2007, 01:32 AM

As I suspected, the search function is not working now based on a server crash from Jason Lester...Guess Ill wait...In the meantime, I seacrhed LarryM Little Secrets and there is nothing on the door ajar light so Im not sure where to go here....

budman451 · 02-28-2007, 03:11 AM

Spray some of your favorite lube in every door latch (WD40 or JB80 are my usual favorites), then open and close the door 5-10 times. Don't forget to lube the tailgate latches as well. This will usually take care of the door ajar/dome lamp issue, if not, may have a GEM/VSM issue, wire chafing/shorting to ground/open, or door ajar lamp switch faulty.

Buddy

TXMoose · 02-28-2007, 04:41 AM

Buddy,
Thanks man...I appreciate it..
Whats this GEM/VSM stuff though??? Something I can ck myself??? What about the other stuff??? checkable or dealer??
Thanks,
Robb

budman451 · 02-28-2007, 03:11 PM

I see your Ex. is an 01, so it would be a GEM, VSM was used starting 2002. GEM/VSM is the module that controls the lights, both have been known to get water in them, which causes a bunch of problems, usually door ajar lamps, interior lamps, power door locks & windows all act up. The easiest way for me is with a scan tool to view PID's of what the GEM is receiving from the switch. Otherwise, without a scan tool, you could disconnect the GEM connector & ohm out the appropriate wiring to ground and checking continuity to ground. I do not have AE, which seems to be popular here, and reading specs on it, it should do almost everything the IDS, PDS, & WDS could when I was at the dealer, just can't do reprogramming with it.

I would still try lubing all latches first, as they are the most common thing to stick and cause that problem. If the light remains a problem, then you may need a scan tool or wiring diagram.

HTH
Buddy

neilc88 · 02-28-2007, 06:04 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I see your Ex. is an 01, so it would be a GEM, VSM was used starting 2002. GEM/VSM is the module that controls the lights, both have been known to get water in them, which causes a bunch of problems, usually door ajar lamps, interior lamps, power door locks & windows all act up. The easiest way for me is with a scan tool to view PID's of what the GEM is receiving from the switch. Otherwise, without a scan tool, you could disconnect the GEM connector & ohm out the appropriate wiring to ground and checking continuity to ground. I do not have AE, which seems to be popular here, and reading specs on it, it should do almost everything the IDS, PDS, & WDS could when I was at the dealer, just can't do reprogramming with it.

I would still try lubing all latches first, as they are the most common thing to stick and cause that problem. If the light remains a problem, then you may need a scan tool or wiring diagram.

HTH
Buddy

[/ QUOTE ]

I have the same probem and believe its the VSM but have yet to have the $ to take it to the dealer. I replaced one door switch and and tested the new switch only. Still the same problem. By hand moving the switch, sometimes the door ajar light would go off, sometimes it would stay on.

TXMoose · 03-01-2007, 02:35 AM

Buddy and Neil..

Thanks for clearing up the last part of that...Ill try the spray first :-) The dealer agreed to repair anything at the "in house rate" for 2 months after purchase for us so I might just let them hunt it down...:-)

Robb

cobramoser · 03-15-2007, 12:18 PM

Where is the GEM module? What does it look like? I have had the same problems, I replaced every switch and latch on my EX and now I only have the problem when it rains or when I wash the truck. Sounds like water intrusion to me. Are there any pics available?

Wren · 03-16-2007, 02:34 AM

Don't use WD40, it's more of a solvent. Before it dries up, it attracts dust. After it dries up, it leaves an abrasive layer.

Spray brake or electrical contact cleaner in the latches. Work them (open and close the door) about 2 dozen times, spraying a couple of shots in between.

Use compressed air or let them air out to evaporate the cleaner, then lube with white lithium grease in a can , use the straw to shoot the lube where you need it.

TXMoose · 03-21-2007, 01:59 AM

FWIW,
the WD 40 trick seems to have worked....I liked Wrens idea though cuz I agree about WD being a solvent rather than lube...I think some cleaning and then White Lithium will be longer lasting...