Drivers Door Problems

[Michael Ward]

I have a problem with the drivers door on my 98 model 2.3 Galaxy Ghia X. When I open the drivers door, the light at the bottom of the door doesn't illuminate, the 'door open' light on the dash doesn't illuminate, and when I have the engine turned off and the headlights on, I get no warning sound.

 

I haven't tried any fixes yet. I'll replace the bulb on the light to see if that is a problem/the problem, but I thought I'd ask if there are any common faults as the three things seem to be related.

[MadBaz]

Broken wire in rubber gaiter possibly, more likely a dodgy wire/earth/switch on B pillar.

[Davo]

Wouldn't it simply be a faulty the door open switch on that door? If it is, then the light on the door will come on if you open another door. Broken wiring going into the door wouldn't make any difference to the door open on the dashboard, or the headlight warning beep. The swith is on the body of the car at the bottom rear where the door closes, near the botton of the center pillar.

[Michael Ward]

Wouldn't it simply be a faulty the door open switch on that door? If it is, then the light on the door will come on if you open another door. Broken wiring going into the door wouldn't make any difference to the door open on the dashboard, or the headlight warning beep. The swith is on the body of the car at the bottom rear where the door closes, near the botton of the center pillar.

 

Sounds like something to look at. Didn't know where that sensor was, not got my Haynes manual yet :wacko:

 

Thanks guys, something to get my teeth in to.

[tiny]

I would definately look at the switch first, these are usually "earth switching" basically meaning they will complete an earth circuit when the switch is operated (door open). Try removing the switch then touching the wire to the car bodywork(unpainted area such as door striker) to see if that operates the said functions.

 

There should be a little rubber boot around the switch and if these get lost they can alow the ingress of water and subsequent corrosion (I know a couple of mine are AWOL).

 

However, is the door light mounted in the door itself? (mine doesn't have such a thing) If so, then at least part of the circuit is in the door and depending on how circuit is wired this could still cause a problem if there is a broken wire in the A-Pillar/door harness or for that matter if the bulb itself has blown.

This would be the last thing to look at though, the switch at the bottom of the B-pillar would be the most obvious.

[Michael Ward]

It's gone! :wacko:

 

The rubber part and 'the stick' are all gone (hope I'm not losing anyone with technical terms here).

 

Where can I pick one up from, and/or can I easily steal one from the other doors to use so I don't end up leaving my lights on.

[Michael Ward]

Swapped the whole sensor from the back door to the drivers door and it works fine now. Will have to go hunting at the scrap yards to see if they have the part. Just wanted the light warning working really.