2000 Ford Excursion Interior and Running Board lights stay

2000 FORD EXCURSION
160,000 MILES • V12 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHNTM
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  • 4 POSTS
The running board and interior lights on my 2000 Ford Excursion stay on (until they drain the battery) after I exit the vehicle.

When I first get in the vehicle, the lights come on as they should, but do not turn off after a time period. However, once you reach a certain speed (15 mph I think) they turn off.

Is there a timer somehwere that may have gone bad? Also, where are the "plungers" or do open sensors? I'm guessing they are internal as part of the hinge.
Sep 24, 2008 at 2:01 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Try this cure, buy a can of brakekleen and a can of spray white lithium grease, spray the latch area, thats the claw in the door where it closes, spray liberally with brakleen, open and close the door 5-6 times, repeat, then spray with the white lube, open and close the door 5-6 times. Reapeat on all doors...
Sep 24, 2008 at 2:12 PM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, there is a micro switch inside of the door latch that gets dirty, so you want to try and clean it (drivers side in most cases) and if not the door latch will need to be replaced.
Nov 11, 2025 at 10:04 AM
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