Got yet another surprise yesterday morning when I noticed the interior lights on my wifes '97 Explorer were on. My first thought was that somebody didn't fully close one of doors...Nope, not that simple. I did a little home work on how these lights are supposed to work and cleaned all possible contact points at the latch. Lights still not shutting off. I pulled the fuse only to find that the power windows would not work so I had to pull all the bulbs. Can anybody point me in the right direction as how to rectify this little inconvenience? It would be greatly appreciated.

Check each pin switch w/ a DMM. One of them has failed shorted.

My appologies for not getting back to you on your prompt response. I'm in the middle of building a timber frame home and think I bit off more than I can chew. I'm not familliar with the "pins" you are referring to. I'm a toyota guy and it actually took me a while to figure out that this truck doesn't have the good ol' little button to shut the lights off. Thanks

The pin switches are attached to the latches inside the door and a real PITA to replace but are really, really common to fail. The problem is it does not have to be the most commonly used door that failed. I have litterally replaced hundereds of these. Guess you know where I work now, huh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I know this is way too late for orig poster, but hopefully it will help someone.

I had a 95 EB explorer with the same problem. After checking all door pins as previously suggested, I finally took it to a good auto electrical shop. They finally traced it to a relay near the back cargo area. Small .75" x .5" x .5" device. I figure it has to do with the fact that the lights stay on for a bit after you close the last door, to let you find your keys, etc. This delay probably involves the bad relay. When I also removed the relay, it killed the dash lights too in addition to the courtesy lights and power windows. It was very difficult to drive with the interior lights on but also sucked to drive w/o dash lights.