Symptoms
- Door ajar icon or message lit with all doors closed
- Interior lights may stay on longer than normal
- May be one specific door each time, or random
Likely causes
- CommonDoor not fully latchedSometimes a door looks closed but hasn't clicked into the latch.
- CommonFaulty door latch sensorThe switch that detects the door position can wear out or get dirty.
- PossibleCorroded or misaligned door strikerCan prevent the latch from fully engaging even when the door seems shut.
- PossibleTrunk or hood sensor issueThese often use similar switches and can trigger the same warning.
- Less commonWiring issue in the door harnessMore common on doors that get opened and closed often, wearing the wiring boot.
What to do
- Open and firmly re-close each door, the trunk, and the hood one at a time.
- Check if the warning follows a specific door or moves around depending on what's touched.
- Look at the door latch area for dirt, rust, or a misaligned striker pin.
- Clean the latch mechanism with a dry cloth and a little lubricant made for locks.
- If one door consistently triggers the light, have its latch sensor tested and replaced if faulty.
- Have a mechanic check the wiring at the door hinge area if the issue is intermittent.
Tools and parts
Door latch sensor/switchSearch: “door ajar sensor for your car make and model”
When to call a pro
See a mechanic if a specific door consistently triggers the light after confirming it latches properly, since the sensor itself likely needs replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.