Alright guys first post.

The truck:
2001 2.3L 5speed manual, 2WD, 70k miles, well maintained. Silver if it matters.

The quirks:

1. Door slop, door ajar light, and dome light stays on too long. It seems to stem from the same problem, either in the door latch or door hinges. I'm thinking latch as thats where I hear a bump coming from when I hit a pothole or manhole cover. Because it doesn't lock up TIGHT the door ajar light is displayed, hense the dome light not being timely. Seems that every Ranger I've ever been in does this. It drives me insane! I need to fix it!
HOW?

2. E-brake light comes on when truck is started. If I engage and release it twice the light usually turns off. Whats the problem here? maybe a rusty e-brake line?

Adam White

p.s. So many threads asking how to improve MPG. Rule number one, MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURE! It makes a HUGE difference. Rule two, keep your foot outta the gas!

 

Easy way to eliminate your hinges as a possibility is to open the door, grab it at the back and try to move it up and down. Shouldn't have much slop.

I'd follow the cable from the drums to the cab, check for it catching on anything and lube any spots that come.in contact with the truck. Maybe even pull the drums and make sure nothings jammed up. If that doesnt do it I'd spray some wd40 down the cables sheath and check the pedal area.

 

The door latch (actually a little switch in the area IIRC) is generally the culprit. WD40 liberally in the latch does the trick for most folks. It took mine a few applications over a few days to finally stop the door ajar stuff. My happiness was greatly increased.

 

WD40 in the latch worked great. Just one liberal application. The ebrake must be scared because the light won't show without his door ajar buddy!

Thanks, I wouldn't have thought it to be that simple,
Adam White