Door Switch: Description and Operation

DOOR AJAR SWITCH
Two door ajar switches are standard equipment in this vehicle, one is installed in the the driver side door hinge pillar and one is installed in the passenger side door hinge pillar. The door ajar switches are constructed of molded black plastic and feature integral snap features on the outside of the switch housing. A molded connector receptacle on one end of the switch connects it to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the cross body wire harness. A self-adjusting, spring loaded plunger on the other end of the switch is actuated by the hinge face of the door. The self adjusting feature of the switch plunger is a one-time feature, it can be adjusted inward (compressed), but cannot be readjusted outward (extended) once it has been compressed. This normally open switch only closes when the door is open.

The door ajar switch cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

The door ajar switches close a path to ground through separate driver and passenger door ajar switch sense circuit inputs to the instrument cluster chime warning circuitry when a door is opened, and open that ground path when the door is closed. The door ajar switch inputs to the instrument cluster can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.