Hello All:
I have the dreaded door ajar issue on my Ranger and no amount of spray silicone, lube, or contact cleaner is going to fix it. Manual windows and locks if that helps.
The factory service manual says to remove the latch. Locate the locking tab and twist the switch out of the latch.
I was trying to see if the switch could be replaced without latch removal, but I cannot feel the locking tab and twisted pretty good and the switch did not move.
Any advice is appreciated.
Take care, Bill

 

If you are in the door then unplug the switch, door "ajar" light should be OFF with switch unplugged, if not, then the wire to SJB(body computer) is shorted to Ground, not a switch issue
1995 to 2003 Ranger use GEM(body computer)
2004 to 2011 used SJB

Switch works like this
Door Closed switch OPEN, no ground, Door ajar light OFF
Door open switch CLOSED, grounded, Door ajar light ON

This video shows WHY you need to loosen and pull back the Latch: .youtube.com/watch?v=HyTFsi809Hs

Because the switch needs to rotate clockwise which it can't do, because it would hit the door if latch was not moved back

Also video is incorrect about the open and closed thing, ground and unground, at least as far as Rangers are concerned

 

Thanks!
I unplugged the switch and the issue is resolved for now.
Thank you for the video. I see that the latch needs to come out. I'm fat fingered so this will not be easy.
I appreciate your help. Take care, Bill

 

Well the fix was easier than I thought. Latch removal was fast, and installation was slow, but doable. New switch fixed the issue.

Prices for the switch was all over the map. Local Ford dealer was THIRTY THREE DOLLARS (yes, $33). O'Rielly auto parts quoted $22, and "about 14 days to get the part in". Really, 14 days??!!??

Good ol'eBay and TASCA Ford; $12 and free shipping for a genuine Motorcraft part.

Thanks again for the help.

 

Good work

And thanks for the update, prices and the FIX
It WILL help someone else some day

 

Out of curiosity, was your light always on? Mine goes off only when I hit bumps in the road. Opening and closing the door fixes it until the next bump. Obviously not ideal. :D Trying to narrow it down to the switch or a wiring problem.