I've done quite a bit of searching for this, but it sounds like everyone else has the opposite problem that I do -- on my 2002 4Runner SR5, the door ajar light will not light up on the dashboard.

If a door is open, the indicator does not light up. It gets a little bit annoying when I drive onto the freeway and hear that one of the doors making a lot of wind noise since it's only latched but not fully closed. Worse yet is when one of the doors swings open while I'm driving since I'm kinda absent-minded sometimes.

I know the sensors work because the alarm system makes the constant tone if a door is open when I try to set the alarm. Also, when I start the engine, I can tell a door is open if the door locks don't automatically lock. I don't always check for that, so I'd rather have the dash indicator work correctly.

So that narrows it down to the actual light or the signal to that light.

I've checked fuses, and they all look good. Other dash lights work normally (unless others are out that I'm not aware of).

Any ideas what it could be?

 

I doubt the ajar is really working properly. I would try to replace or clean it and see how it works.

 

Replace defective door switches or electrical components: One or more of your door ajar warning light switches may be broken or worn out, or could be causing a short in the system. There might also be a fault in your car's computer. A mechanic or a body shop can repair the doors