Expert: Mike Evans - 8/14/2009

Question
The tailgate ajar warning light stays on all the time
1988 oldsmobile custom cruiser wagon

What can I do?
Gayland

Answer
    At all of the other door stations the doorjamb switch, which turns on the dome light when the door is opened, is also the door ajar switch.  Does the light come on when you open the tailgate?  If it does, then there must be another switch.  Ford puts them in the latch mechanism itself, I don't think GM does, but they could if they wanted to.  If the light doesn't come on with the opening of the tailgate, then have someone fiddle with the switch while you watch the dash.  If the light goes out, the switch is probably bad or going bad.  Some of these switches can be adjusted for depth, so, if fiddling with it makes the light go out, you might want to try pulling it out a little further and see if it works.  These switches don't cost much, I think I'd just replace it anyway.