Short answer
The door ajar light means a door, the trunk, the liftgate or the hood is not fully latched. Check before you drive: open and firmly close each one. A hood that is resting only on its safety catch can fly up at speed. If everything is shut and the light stays on, a latch switch is faulty.
- Also shown as:
- Door open light · Trunk open light · Hood open warning
- What it looks like:
- A car seen from above with one or more doors drawn open; some cars show which one.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Check before driving. A hood that is only on the safety catch can fly up at speed.
What causes the door / trunk / hood ajar light?
Most common first. Symbols and meanings vary by manufacturer; your owner's manual has the definitive meaning for your model.
- A door or lid not closed. The most common case: a door closed gently onto its first catch, or a trunk or liftgate not pushed fully shut.
- Faulty latch switch. Each latch has a small switch that tells the car it is closed. A worn or corroded switch reports a closed door as open.
- Debris or ice in the latch. Dirt, a seat-belt end or ice can stop a latch from fully engaging, especially in winter.
What should you do right now?
- Open and firmly close each door, the trunk and the hood.
- Check the dome light: if it stays on with everything closed, the car thinks a door is open, which also drains the battery.
- If the light stays on with everything closed, a latch switch is faulty.
What does the fix usually involve?
Cleaning and lubricating the latch often fixes a sticky one. A failed switch is replaced; on many cars it is built into the latch, which is replaced as a unit.
How much does it cost to fix?
$0 – $150
Free if it is just not closed; a latch switch at the high end.
A typical range, not a quote. Actual cost depends on the car, the shop and the fault.
Common questions
Can a door ajar light drain my battery?
It can. If the car thinks a door is open, the interior lights may stay on and some modules stay awake. A faulty switch is worth fixing before it leaves you with a flat battery.
Why does the door ajar light come on in cold weather?
Ice or thickened grease can stop the latch or its switch from moving fully. It usually clears as the car warms up; lubricating the latch helps.
Check your car
Free VIN check: open NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and the safety rating for your exact car.