Do you own a 2011 Ford F150 and experiencing issues with your door ajar sensor? This problem can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re trying to lock or unlock your vehicle and the alarm keeps sounding. Fortunately, fixing a door ajar sensor on your 2011 Ford F150 is a relatively simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes.
The door ajar sensor is a small switch that is located inside the door frame. When the door is closed, the sensor is pressed, which completes the circuit and allows the interior lights to turn off and the alarm to be armed. When the door is opened, the sensor is released, which breaks the circuit and causes the interior lights to turn on and the alarm to sound. If the sensor is faulty, it will not be able to complete the circuit, which will cause the interior lights to stay on and the alarm to sound even when the door is closed.
There are a few different things that can cause the door ajar sensor to fail. One common problem is that the sensor can become misaligned. This can happen if the door has been slammed shut or if the door frame has been damaged. Another common problem is that the sensor can become dirty or corroded. This can happen if the door is frequently exposed to moisture or dirt. If the sensor is damaged or corroded, it will need to be replaced.
Identify the Faulty Sensor
The door ajar sensor is a crucial component of your Ford F-150’s security system, indicating when a door is open or ajar. A faulty sensor can lead to false alarms and compromise the vehicle’s security. Identifying the problematic sensor is the first step in resolving this issue.
If you encounter door ajar warning light illumination or chime activation even when all doors appear closed, it’s an indication that the sensor has malfunctioned.
To identify the faulty sensor, you can engage in a systematic process. Begin by manually opening and closing each door while observing the door ajar warning light’s behavior. The sensor associated with the door that triggers the warning light is likely the faulty one.
Alternatively, you can utilize an OBD-II scanner to obtain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) specific to the door ajar system. These codes often pinpoint the problematic sensor or circuit.
The following table summarizes the common DTCs related to door ajar sensors in 2011 Ford F-150s:
| DTC | Description |
|---|---|
| B1342 | Door Ajar Switch Circuit Failure |
| B1343 | Left Front Door Ajar Switch Failure |
| B1344 | Left Rear Door Ajar Switch Failure |
| B1345 | Right Front Door Ajar Switch Failure |
| B1346 | Right Rear Door Ajar Switch Failure |
Inspect the Wiring Harness
The wiring harness is a crucial component that connects the door ajar sensor to the vehicle’s electrical system. Inspect the wiring harness thoroughly for any signs of damage, such as cuts, breaks, or loose connections.
Check for Physical Damage:
- Visually inspect the length of the wiring harness for any obvious physical damage, including cuts, tears, or fraying.
- Gently move and bend the harness to check for any loose or broken wires inside.
Test Electrical Continuity:
- Use a multimeter to test the electrical continuity of the wiring harness.
- Disconnect the wiring harness from the door ajar sensor and the body control module (BCM).
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and connect the probes to the corresponding terminals on the wiring harness.
- A reading of 0 ohms indicates good continuity, while an infinite reading (OL) indicates an open circuit.
Check for Ground Connections:
- The wiring harness typically has a separate ground wire that connects to the vehicle’s chassis.
- Ensure the ground wire is properly connected and free of corrosion or rust.
- Test the ground connection using a multimeter.
- Connect one probe to the ground wire and the other to a known good ground on the vehicle.
- A reading of 0 ohms indicates a good ground connection.
| Test | Result | Action |
| Visual inspection | No visible damage | Continue with testing |
| Visual inspection | Visible damage | Repair or replace the wiring harness |
| Continuity test | 0 ohms | Wiring harness is intact |
| Continuity test | OL | Locate and repair the break in the wiring |
| Ground connection test | 0 ohms | Ground connection is good |
| Ground connection test | Infinite ohms | Clean or repair the ground connection |
Check the Door Latch Assembly
The door latch assembly is responsible for keeping the door closed securely and signaling the Door Ajar sensor when the door is open. To check the assembly:
- Locate the Door Latch Assembly: The door latch assembly is located on the door jamb, behind the door handle.
- Inspect the Latch: Examine the latch for any signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, bends, or loose parts.
- Test the Latch Mechanism: Close the door and try to open it from the outside. If the door opens easily without unlocking, the latch assembly is likely faulty.
- Inspect the Striker Plate: The striker plate is the metal plate on the door frame that the latch engages with. Check the striker plate for any misalignment or damage. It should be flush against the door frame and the latch should fit snugly into it.
- Lubricate the Mechanism: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the latch and striker plate. This will reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
- Test the Door Ajar Sensor: Once the latch assembly has been checked, close the door again and see if the Door Ajar indicator light turns off. If it does, the problem has been resolved.
Troubleshooting Table:
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Door opens easily from the outside | Damaged or worn-out latch |
| Door Ajar indicator light stays on when the door is closed | Misaligned or damaged striker plate |
| Lubrication | Reduce friction and ensure smooth operation |
Replace the Door Ajar Switch
The door ajar switch is a small, plastic button that is located on the door jamb. When the door is closed, the button is pressed and the circuit is completed, allowing the truck to know that the door is closed. When the door is open, the button is not pressed and the circuit is broken, indicating that the door is open.
If your door ajar sensor is not working properly, you may need to replace it. This is a relatively easy repair that can be done in about 30 minutes.
Steps to Replace the Door Ajar Switch
1. Open the door and locate the door ajar switch. It is usually located on the door jamb, near the latch.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the door ajar switch.
3. Unscrew the door ajar switch from the door jamb.
4. Install the new door ajar switch in the reverse order of removal.
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1 | Open the door and locate the door ajar switch. It is usually located on the door jamb, near the latch.
| 2 | Disconnect the electrical connector from the door ajar switch.
| 3 | Unscrew the door ajar switch from the door jamb.
| 4 | Install the new door ajar switch in the reverse order of removal.
Reconnect the electrical connector to the door ajar switch.
| 5 | Test the door ajar sensor by opening and closing the door. The door ajar light should turn on when the door is open and turn off when the door is closed.
Adjust the Door Striker
The door sensor uses a magnet inside the door and a metal plate on the door jamb to determine if the door is open or closed. If the door sensor is malfunctioning, it could be because the metal plate is not aligned with the magnet. To adjust the door striker:
- Open the door and locate the door striker. It is usually a metal plate attached to the door jamb.
- Loosen the screws that hold the door striker in place.
- Move the door striker up or down until it is aligned with the magnet in the door. The magnet is usually located in the latch mechanism.
- Tighten the screws to secure the door striker in place.
- Test the door sensor to make sure it is working properly.
Tips
* If you are having trouble aligning the door striker, you can use a flashlight to help you see.
* You can also use a piece of tape to mark the position of the magnet on the door. This will help you align the door striker correctly.
* If you have adjusted the door striker and the door sensor is still not working properly, you may need to replace the door sensor.
Clean the Contacts
The door ajar sensor on your 2011 F150 is a small switch that is located in the door jamb. When the door is closed, the switch is pressed and the sensor is activated. This tells the truck that the door is closed and it can be locked. If the switch is not pressed, the sensor will not be activated and the truck will not be able to be locked.
There are a few things that can cause the door ajar sensor to malfunction. One common cause is dirt and debris getting on the contacts of the switch. When this happens, the switch will not be able to make a good connection and the sensor will not be activated.
To clean the contacts of the door ajar sensor, you will need to remove the door panel. Once the door panel is removed, you will be able to access the switch. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts. Be sure to clean both the contacts on the switch and the contacts on the door jamb.
Once the contacts are clean, reassemble the door panel and test the door ajar sensor. If the sensor is still not working, you may need to replace the switch.
Here are some additional tips for cleaning the contacts of the door ajar sensor:
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.
- Be sure to clean both the contacts on the switch and the contacts on the door jamb.
- Do not use any abrasive cleaners to clean the contacts.
- If the sensor is still not working after you have cleaned the contacts, you may need to replace the switch.
| Tool | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cotton swabs | 10 |
| Rubbing alcohol | 1 bottle |
Reset the Body Control Module
If the door ajar sensor issue persists after cleaning the door latch and checking the wiring, resetting the body control module (BCM) may resolve the problem. The BCM is responsible for controlling various electrical systems in the vehicle, including the door ajar sensor. Resetting it can clear any stored fault codes or software glitches that may be causing the sensor malfunction.
Steps to Reset the BCM:
1. Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal:
Disconnect the negative battery terminal to isolate the electrical system from power.
2. Wait 10-15 Minutes:
Allow the vehicle to sit for 10-15 minutes to discharge any residual power from the system.
3. Reconnect the Battery:
Reconnect the negative battery terminal to restore power to the electrical system.
4. Turn On the Ignition:
Turn the ignition key to the “On” position, but do not start the engine.
5. Lock and Unlock the Doors:
Repeatedly lock and unlock the doors using the key fob or door switch.
6. Start the Vehicle:
Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes.
7. Activate and Deactivate the Door Ajar Sensor:
Repeatedly open and close the affected door while checking the dash display for any door ajar warnings. If the sensor has been reset successfully, the door ajar warning should no longer appear. If the issue persists, repeat the BCM reset process or consult a qualified mechanic for further troubleshooting.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect negative battery terminal |
| 2 | Wait 10-15 minutes |
| 3 | Reconnect battery |
| 4 | Turn on ignition |
| 5 | Lock and unlock doors |
| 6 | Start vehicle |
| 7 | Activate and deactivate door ajar sensor |
Consult the Manufacturer’s Manual
Referring to the manufacturer’s manual is crucial as it provides specific instructions tailored to your 2011 F150 model. This manual often includes comprehensive troubleshooting guides, diagrams, and step-by-step repair procedures. By carefully following the instructions provided in the manual, you can increase your chances of identifying and resolving the door ajar sensor issue efficiently.
Identify the Faulty Sensor
To repair the door ajar sensor, you first need to identify the faulty one. This can be done by checking each door individually. Open and close the doors one by one and observe if the sensor light on the dashboard turns off and on accordingly. If the light remains on when a particular door is closed, it indicates a faulty sensor in that door.
Remove the Door Panel
Once you have identified the faulty sensor, you need to remove the door panel to access it. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions on removing the door panel. Generally, you will need to remove screws or clips that hold the panel in place. Be careful not to damage the panel or its components during this process.
Locate and Test the Sensor
With the door panel removed, you can now locate the door ajar sensor. It is typically located near the door latch or door frame. Once you have located the sensor, you can test it using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and touch the probes to the sensor terminals. If the multimeter beeps, the sensor is functioning properly. If there is no continuity, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Replace the Faulty Sensor
If you have determined that the sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it with a new one. Disconnect the old sensor from the wiring harness and install the new sensor in its place. Make sure to connect the new sensor correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reinstall the Door Panel
Once you have replaced the faulty sensor, you can reinstall the door panel. Align the panel with the door frame and secure it using the screws or clips you removed earlier. Make sure the panel is securely fastened to prevent rattles or other issues.
Test the Sensor Function
After reinstalling the door panel, test the sensor function by opening and closing the door. The sensor light on the dashboard should turn off and on accordingly. If the sensor is working correctly, you have successfully repaired the door ajar sensor on your 2011 F150.
Clean the Door Jamb Switch
The door jamb switch is a small, rectangular button located on the door frame. When the door is closed, the switch is pressed and the door ajar light turns off. Over time, the switch can become dirty or corroded, which can prevent it from making contact with the door and turning off the light.
To clean the door jamb switch:
- Locate the door jamb switch on the door frame.
- Use a cotton swab or a soft cloth to clean the switch.
- If the switch is corroded, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently clean it.
- Once the switch is clean, test it by opening and closing the door. The door ajar light should turn off when the door is closed.
- Open the door and look at the latch.
- The latch should be aligned with the striker on the door frame.
- If the latch is not aligned, you can adjust it by loosening the screws that hold it in place.
- Once the latch is aligned, test it by opening and closing the door. The door ajar light should turn off when the door is closed.
- The door ajar sensor is damaged.
- The wiring to the door ajar sensor is damaged.
- The body control module (BCM) is damaged.
- Inspect the door seals: Cracked or damaged door seals can allow moisture and dirt to enter the door, which can cause corrosion and damage to the sensor.
- Check the door hinges: Sticking or misaligned hinges can put excess stress on the door and the sensor, potentially damaging it.
- Lubricate the door latch: A dry door latch can make it difficult to close the door properly, which can trigger the door ajar sensor.
- Clean the door jamb: Dirt and debris can build up on the door jamb, interfering with the sensor’s function.
- Test the sensor regularly: Periodically open and close the door to ensure the sensor is working correctly.
- Locate the door ajar sensor. The door ajar sensor is located in the door jamb, near the latch.
- Clean the door ajar sensor. The door ajar sensor can become dirty or corroded over time, which can cause it to malfunction. To clean the sensor, use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner.
- Adjust the door ajar sensor. If the door ajar sensor is not properly adjusted, it may not be able to detect when the door is fully closed. To adjust the sensor, use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw until the sensor is flush with the door jamb.
- Test the door ajar sensor. Once you have adjusted the sensor, test it to make sure it is working properly. Open and close the door several times and listen for the chime. If the chime sounds when the door is fully closed, the sensor is working properly.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor.
- Unscrew the sensor from the door jamb.
- Install the new sensor onto the door jamb.
- Plug the electrical connector into the sensor.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw until the sensor is flush with the door jamb.
- Test the door ajar sensor to make sure it is working properly.
Check the Door Latch
The door latch is a metal hook that engages with the door striker when the door is closed. If the latch is not properly aligned, it may not make contact with the striker and the door ajar light will stay on.
To check the door latch:
Seek Professional Assistance
If you have tried all of the above steps and the door ajar light is still on, you may need to seek professional assistance. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and repair it.
Here are some of the reasons why you may need to seek professional assistance:
The cost of repairing a door ajar sensor will vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for the repair.
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Door ajar light is on | Door jamb switch is dirty or corroded |
| Door ajar light is on | Door latch is not aligned |
| Door ajar light is on | Door ajar sensor is damaged |
| Door ajar light is on | Wiring to the door ajar sensor is damaged |
| Door ajar light is on | Body control module (BCM) is damaged |
Preventative Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance on your vehicle can help prevent issues with the door ajar sensor and other door components. Here are a few preventive maintenance tips to follow:
10. ***Additional Troubleshooting Tips***
If you have checked the common causes and performed preventive maintenance, but the door ajar sensor is still not working, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:
10.1. Check the wiring harness: Inspect the wiring harness for any damage or loose connections.
10.2. Test the sensor with a multimeter: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the sensor. A faulty sensor will have an open or intermittent circuit.
10.3. Replace the sensor: If the sensor is damaged or faulty, it will need to be replaced.
10.4. Reset the sensor: Some vehicles have a door ajar sensor reset procedure. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
10.5. Check for software updates: In some cases, a software update may be available to address issues with the door ajar sensor.
How To Fix A Door Ajar Sensor On 2011 F150
A door ajar sensor is a safety feature that alerts the driver if a door is not fully closed. If the door ajar sensor on your 2011 F150 is not working properly, you may get a false alarm or the door may not latch properly. To fix a door ajar sensor on a 2011 F150, you will need to:
People Also Ask
How to replace door ajar sensor on 2011 f150?
Locate the door ajar sensor.
Where is the door ajar sensor located on 2011 f150?
The door ajar sensor is located in the door jamb, near the latch.
How to adjust door ajar sensor on 2011 f150?
Locate the door ajar sensor.
