'door Open' Telltale On, But Door Closed

[scousedivvy]

Hi Guys, the 'rear door open' warning light on the dash has lit up @ half-brightness and refuses to go out ! Tried fiddling with plunger switch but no luck. It started last sunday when it was wet but has not resolved itself yet. it comes on full brightness when open but does not go out completely. has anyone had a similar quirk with a remedy or should i just learn to live with it. I'm driving a 2.3 Gal 97' vintage but yearning for a TDi. thanks in advance ..... scouse

[Guest stevebm1]

could be a short somewhere in the wiring loom,or water in the electrics if you say it only started when raining

[Guest vr6galaxy]

Is the rubber boot on the switch still there? or is it torn? if it's missing or has holes in it, it may be allowing moisture into the switch! this could be the cause of the false reading? remove the switch and see if its damp? if it is try leaving it on the radiator over night to see if when it's dry it cures the problem?

[Guest NigelP]

I have experienced the same problem. Remove the rubber boot (if still there) and the switch. You will probably find signs of corrosion between the terminals of the switch which enables a leakage current to flow causing the half illumination that your're seeing. Also check the harness connector as well. Clean off any deposits and it should work again as intend by VW.

 

However, if the problem persists you may have to replace the switch - not expensive, about GBP5 I seem to recall. To confirm the switch is the cause of the problem swap the suspect switch for one of the other (good) door switches.

 

Happy Easter.

 

NigelP

[RussT]

I had the same problem, and as Nigel describes the remedy it works fine untill it as rained a few more times then the build up happens again. I cleaned mine about 6 times in 4 months. Then I finaly replaced it. I wish I had replaced it straight away to save all the hassell of keep cleaning it. It cost less than a tenner for new button.

[curiousdad]

Hi,

I have a 1997 2.3 glx. How do I find out if I should have these warning lights for door ajar on the dash. I don't have any at the moment

[ferguscawley]

Between your rev counter and your speedo, there is a panel that has the usuaul tell tale lights on it - oil, lights, brake fluid level etc. On this panel (on some models) there is a model picture/sketch of a car in white. If you open a door, a little light should light up alongside the door that is open on the model.

You may not have this on your dash - it depends on the spec of the car first day.

[scousedivvy]

Well thanks for all the suggestions - took the switch apart and it was full of crud, so after a good clean and spray with WD it now behaves perfectly! thanks again everybody. :o