I just bought a new door ajar switch for my 1998 F150 and I have the door panel off and have located the switch.

Do I need to remove the latch assembly to remove this switch?

Seems like that may be a mess to get back together. i have tried pulling the switch, but I bet it is latched in there.

Any advice?

 

Ok I removed the latch assembly and it gave me a tad more room.

How in the heck to I get that switch out now. There is a black tab labeled tab, but i cannot pull it off.

I can barely fit my hands in there

 

is it because it would'nt shut off? all you have to do is soak the latch assembly and switch with WD-40...that does it everytime

 

Yes, it would shut of sometimes and sometimes not.

Ford ran a diagnositc on it yesterday and it pointed to the switch, so i bought 1. This thing is a pain to remove. Still working on it

Sometimes when I drive it would stay on until I put it in drive and then turn off after 30sec

 

Tlab5_44 ,

Sorry to say it but, you probably got taken by ford......you should have tried wd-40 first. If you do a search on this board you will find numerous accounts of door switch problems and virtually all of them are resolved by cleaning the switch (in place) with wd-40......I think ford know very well that the switch is a problem and should have either cleaned it for you and charged you or told you to try wd before you bought a switch

 

I think you all are right. After working on it trying to get it out, I said screw it and put it back together with the old one in place and closed the door 10 times and it worked each time. I havent added lubricant yet, but will when I get back from the store.

The new one is sticky also, when you try and push down.

I live in Alaska, so i believe the cold may have something to do with it.

I will inform you how everything is going.


BTW I love these boards. Nice people and great info.\

Hope i can help someday

 

Yup, a bit of WD-40 every 6-12 months will usually fix the trouble. Ford shouldv'e added this into the MAINTANENCE part of the owners manual....or just go back to the old push button switches (ford still uses these on the econlines for the dome lights, but have the door ajar switch, which includes the damn dinger, in the latch....go figure!)

 

the door hinges,hood hinges,tail gate latch assembly,etc. could use a shot....hhhmmm speaking of shot...i'll be right back...this cold weather and stollies lemonia in the freezer sure go together