Questions and Answers
Ranger Door Chime
Q. Hi there, I have a 1995 Ford Ranger. The door chime goes off in it even when the door is securely closed. I have replaced the switch twice under warranty and now it is doing it again. Is there some maintenance that I can do to the door switch to prevent this from happening?
The problem seems to only happen when it is hot outside. When it is overcast or cool in the morning, the door chime operates normally.
If the door switch is the problem, is that something I can switch out myself?
Thanks
DaveA. Well Dave, I don't think the switch is the problem here. I think it's in the door, or more specifically, the door adjustment.
Look at where the back of the door meets the body. If the door is not flush with the body, then you can get a problem such as you describe. What happens is if the door sticks out too far, it will not close the switch completely.
If the door is out too far it is easy to adjust. Open the door and look at the striker plate. There will be two large phillips head screws. They won't be easy to loosen. I usually use an impact screwdriver to loosen them. Once you get them loose, don't loosen them completely. Loosen them just enough to move the striker with a hammer. Tap the striker in a little bit at a time and try it. When the door sits flush with the body, you're done. Be careful you tap it in only, not up or down.
If you need to replace the door switch, that's easy enough. There is one phillips screw holding it in. Take off the screw pull the switch out and unplug it. Plug in the new one, slide it in and tighten the screw. Not too much or it will strip.
