Ford focus door ajar light help

[jsean]

I’m looking for help with how to fix the random door ajar light issue I’m having on my 08 Focus. It’s the 2dr coupe.

The dash indicator for the door ajar will come on randomly at any point while driving. Sometimes it’ll even stay on (and the dome lights being on for 15 mins till the BCM cuts it off) after I’ve parked.

I’ve tried the YouTubes fixed of spraying generous amount of pbblaster/WD40 and it’s done nothing.

Can someone point me to the part number for what I have to replace and if there’s a DIY link or video that anyone has stumbled upon that would also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Leo99]

I assume that you've seen this? https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums/topic/08-focus-door-ajar-malfunction/

They say you have to remove the latch and it's not an easy job.

 

[jsean]

I assume that you've seen this? https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums/topic/08-focus-door-ajar-malfunction/

They say you have to remove the latch and it's not an easy job.

Thanks for the link - I did look at the thread. I’ve been unable to find the actual part number for the 2 door model, specifically the driver’s side one. And I can’t seem to find a diagram or video that shows what I gotta do in order to find this thing and switch it out.

 

[FowVay]

I can't guarantee the accuracy of this info but it was derived from a quick internet search for a Focus S 2008 model. Drivers side door latch part number 9S4Z-5421813-B is discontinued. A internet search and random Amazon hits shows aftermarket items for sale for around $46.

Give it a try and see if the part looks anything like what your thinking of. I simply searched for Ford 9S4Z-5421813-B.

 

[D60]

Beware some of the aftermarket stuff as it may not have the provision for the exterior lock cylinder, if you use your key.

You could try ordering a Dorman  if offered. And if the 2-door is rare enough you might still get a Ford part with the logo ground off. But are the two-door latches really any different?

Replacement on the sedans really isn't that difficult. I did all four on an '09, then had to re-do the drivers door because the aftermarket stuff is junk.

 

[jsean]

I’m unfortunately stuck with having to use the key - I think this vehicle came with just the auto transmission as the only option.

When I put my VIN on ford parts giant’s website, it claims that the 9S4Z-5421813-B will work on the driver’s side. Oddly enough, it shows 8S4Z-5421812-D as the part number for the passenger side on a coupe with manual door locking. Can’t seem to find anything about coupe vs sedan and more importantly, whether they all work whether I have manual door locks or central lock/remote power door lock?

Do you have any advice on when I get to taking the door apart to replace the door latch? I’m going to have to learn how to pop the crank window handle off too…

 

[D60]

Just get a window crank tool.

You need a Torx bit for the latch screws IIRC

I don't remember specifics except I remember where the screws are in the rear door panels to remove them when the door won't open. That's a real treat. But not helpful as you don't have rear doors.

I had a weird scenario on the driver door where the new latch wouldn't work quite right. I remembered one of the screws just felt wrong, so I loosened them all and tightened in a different order and then it worked perfectly. There's not supposed to be an order -- this was just aftermarket weirdness.

Actually, just see the one review here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

 

[wtd]

I had to replace the driver's side door latch on my fiancé's son's 2008 Focus. His open-door indicator was on as well. His is a sedan and I had to use an aftermarket latch since I couldn't find an OEM one at the time. It's been at least two years or more and it still works. I can't remember what brand I used but it wasn't a terrible job. I found a YT video that showed the procedure and it was a big help.

 

[jsean]

Just get a window crank tool.

You need a Torx bit for the latch screws IIRC

I don't remember specifics except I remember where the screws are in the rear door panels to remove them when the door won't open. That's a real treat. But not helpful as you don't have rear doors.

I had a weird scenario on the driver door where the new latch wouldn't work quite right. I remembered one of the screws just felt wrong, so I loosened them all and tightened in a different order and then it worked perfectly. There's not supposed to be an order -- this was just aftermarket weirdness.

Actually, just see the one review here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

Got it, thanks for the link!

 

[jsean]

More oddities about the part numbers:
1. Ford parts giant lists different part numbers for the passenger side door depending on sedan vs. coupe and power locks vs. manual locks.
2. Driver’s side just has 2 part numbers depending on coupe vs. sedan. Turns out my Focus was built during the first month of production of the mk2 in the US. Part number until J2 MY2009 Focus is 8S4Z-5421813-B. Changes over to the 9S4Z-5421813-B after that until end of Mk2 production.
3. Local ford dealer’s parts dept was useless
and couldn’t help me on whether either the 8S4Z and 9S4Z are interchangeable.
4. Dorman now only sells lock actuators for the rear doors which is unhelpful for coupe owners like me. I guess I’m stuck with no name crappy aftermarket parts.

 

[D60]

More oddities about the part numbers:
1. Ford parts giant lists different part numbers for the passenger side door depending on sedan vs. coupe and power locks vs. manual locks.
2. Driver’s side just has 2 part numbers depending on coupe vs. sedan. Turns out my Focus was built during the first month of production of the mk2 in the US. Part number until J2 MY2009 Focus is 8S4Z-5421813-B. Changes over to the 9S4Z-5421813-B after that until end of Mk2 production.
3. Local ford dealer’s parts dept was useless
and couldn’t help me on whether either the 8S4Z and 9S4Z are interchangeable.
4. Dorman now only sells lock actuators for the rear doors which is unhelpful for coupe owners like me. I guess I’m stuck with no name crappy aftermarket parts.

I think #4 is because the rears are simpler -- the fronts, or at least front left, needs an extra connection for the rod from key cylinder.

Don't worry, Dorman is also crappy aftermarket so you're not missing much. It's just that they seem to buy remaining stock when Ford wants out. They then grind the logo off and sell it as a Dorman. When that stock dries up they fire up the Wuhan Institute of Crappy Dorman Parts and make poor facsimiles of OEM

Have you sent your VIN to @bdcardinal ? He mostly surfs adult material all day at work and has nothing better to do than help BITOGers with Ford parts...

 

[D60]

https://www.amazon.com/NewYall-Actuator-Explorer-Mustang-Lincoln/dp/B07GYBN9FQ

One review here:
"Installed on a 09 ford focus se 2 dr. Works great so far.... Couldn't find one of these locally so luckily they had it here really a life and $$ saver! Also needed it to pass state inspection. auto place wanted 400 all together I told them to kick rocks and bought it on here for 10% of that and installed in no time Thank you!!!!!"

Not my review, just FWIW

 

[bdcardinal]

The driver's latch does a fun supercession where it superecedes to 5 different parts. The "control" is the latch.

Passenger side is similar but even more complicated becasue there are options for with and without power door locks. This is the supercession tree for the passenger power:

 

[bdcardinal]

This is coupe, passenger side, manual locks. The latch is disco duck from Ford.

 

[97prizm]

I’m looking for help with how to fix the random door ajar light issue I’m having on my 08 Focus. It’s the 2dr coupe.

The dash indicator for the door ajar will come on randomly at any point while driving. Sometimes it’ll even stay on (and the dome lights being on for 15 mins till the BCM cuts it off) after I’ve parked.

I’ve tried the YouTubes fixed of spraying generous amount of pbblaster/WD40 and it’s done nothing.

Can someone point me to the part number for what I have to replace and if there’s a DIY link or video that anyone has stumbled upon that would also be greatly appreciated.

On my Dodge Neon the dome light is for (whatever reason) tied to the brake light switch behind the brake pedal. My interior light stayed on. The brake pedal switch is behind the brake pedal and has an adjustable rocker on it. I flicked it over and that solved my problem. Hope this helps.

 

[jsean]

I think #4 is because the rears are simpler -- the fronts, or at least front left, needs an extra connection for the rod from key cylinder.

Don't worry, Dorman is also crappy aftermarket so you're not missing much. It's just that they seem to buy remaining stock when Ford wants out. They then grind the logo off and sell it as a Dorman. When that stock dries up they fire up the Wuhan Institute of Crappy Dorman Parts and make poor facsimiles of OEM

Have you sent your VIN to @bdcardinal ? He mostly surfs adult material all day at work and has nothing better to do than help BITOGers with Ford parts...

that’s good to know about the Dorman’s. I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t find one for the fronts - but looks like I’m going to end up using parts that came off the Wuhan Institute of Crappy Parts anyways.

I think he might have stepped away from surfing adult material and helped me out already after your post

 

[jsean]

The driver's latch does a fun supercession where it superecedes to 5 different parts. The "control" is the latch.

View attachment 247631

Passenger side is similar but even more complicated becasue there are options for with and without power door locks. This is the supercession tree for the passenger power:

View attachment 247632

Thanks @bdcardinal ! This seems possibly promising. Does the AS4Z-7421812-B show to be compatible on the driver’s door on a coupe with manual door locks? Or is it the AS4Z-74219A64-A?

First Ford I’ve owned - just trying to understand how they structured their parts list.

 

[bdcardinal]

Thanks @bdcardinal ! This seems possibly promising. Does the AS4Z-7421812-B show to be compatible on the driver’s door on a coupe with manual door locks? Or is it the AS4Z-74219A64-A?

First Ford I’ve owned - just trying to understand how they structured their parts list.

DM me the last 8 of your VIN or else post it here if you want, and I can check for sure. The way those supercessions work where one part turns into 5 can be very confusing unless you have had your morning tea/coffee.

 

[tbm3fan]

Ah, the earlier Ford Focus phantom lights. My 2004 does that when their is moisture in the air. Then all warning lights flicker after the car is turned off. Still flicker hours later in the dark. The door chime also chimes at the same time with different tones and lengths as though the car is talking to me. When that happens the key chain auto lock doesn't function. Has zero effect when the car is running. Has done this off and on since 2007 and I just go with the flow. One can pull the dash and use q-tips dipped in alcohol to clean the back of the circuit panel.

 

[jsean]

Ah, the earlier Ford Focus phantom lights. My 2004 does that when their is moisture in the air. Then all warning lights flicker after the car is turned off. Still flicker hours later in the dark. The door chime also chimes at the same time with different tones and lengths as though the car is talking to me. When that happens the key chain auto lock doesn't function. Has zero effect when the car is running. Has done this off and on since 2007 and I just go with the flow. One can pull the dash and use q-tips dipped in alcohol to clean the back of the circuit panel.

I wish it something like that. Seems like the Mk2 focus and other vehicles of this era suffer from the integrated/combination door latches getting stuck.