GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

98 GS4: car doesn't know door is open. Door Sensor Switch?

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Old 11-24-14, 11:56 AM
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GRANYZ400
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Arrow 98 GS4: car doesn't know door is open. Door Sensor Switch?

Yes, I've searched. And what I typically come up with are all the threads on the Door Lock Actuators going bad which is not the issue I am dealing with here.

My issue is simple: when the door is open, the "car" still thinks it's closed.

What I am having a hard time with, since this vehicle does not appear to have a traditional "plunger" sensor, is what part contains the "door sensing switch" (<-- what I am calling it). Does anyone know?

Here's a picture from another thread of a door with the panel off. Can someone circle the part I should be looking at please?

Thanks so much!

Old 11-24-14, 12:47 PM
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rgarjr
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Door open/close switch is part of the latching mechanism.
Attached Thumbnails 98 GS4: car doesn't know door is open. Door Sensor Switch?-106909d1182707489_door_lock_acutuators_diy_dsc05804_5d3ebc5167832a40f713f486c82d9500ce79cd37.jpg  

Last edited by rgarjr; 11-24-14 at 12:52 PM.
Old 11-24-14, 05:34 PM
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GRANYZ400
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Thanks a ton!
Old 11-24-14, 08:19 PM
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NoUltimatu
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So what is the solution for your issue? (I've got the same)
Old 11-24-14, 09:04 PM
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GRANYZ400
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Originally Posted by NoUltimatu
So what is the solution for your issue? (I've got the same)
I'll let you know for sure when I get around to the fix, but it sounds like replacement of the door latching mechanism. I'm hoping there's a way I can fix the existing one...maybe it's sticking? WD40?

I'll let you know.
Old 11-24-14, 09:31 PM
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justim
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Is it cold where you are? Water got into my switch and froze on my old ES300 . The car thought the door was open which drained my battery by the end of the work day.
Old 11-25-14, 09:36 AM
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It is cold here, but nothing crazy (Seattle area). In my case I believe it's sticking. I sprayed it with WD40 and scrubbed it with a toothbrush really well (while installed on the vehicle). It is not back to normal, but it's better. This part is certainly the culprit - I am just not sure if I need to replace it or continue working the mechanism over.

I'll report back as I find out more.

Thanks
Old 11-25-14, 10:24 AM
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Old 11-25-14, 11:46 AM
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GRANYZ400
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Thanks KeyKeeper. I wonder why the mechanism responded to a light cleaning? General rule is mechanical issue: intermittent failures/slow to respond. Elec issue: works or it doesn't.

I assume the detail part you marked on that photo is sensing a mechanical part's position. Maybe that explains why I made it better with cleaning? Hmmmm
Old 11-25-14, 12:17 PM
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The grease they use on these things turns uber sticky...more like an adhesive over time and especially in colder climates. Some WD40 or a good synthetic spray lube and maybe application of new grease will keep it working right. Theres a micro switch mounted inside the latch part that gets depressed by the latch "jaw" when you open the door.
Old 11-25-14, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by KeyKeeper
The grease they use on these things turns uber sticky...more like an adhesive over time and especially in colder climates. Some WD40 or a good synthetic spray lube and maybe application of new grease will keep it working right. Theres a micro switch mounted inside the latch part that gets depressed by the latch "jaw" when you open the door.
Great info! Thanks again!
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