1996 ford windstar interior lights stay on battery goes dead

there is a dimmer switch to dim the dash lights. when you turn it all the way over it turns the interior lights on it is the same switch as your headlights.

It sounds like the solenoid that activates the starter is activating, but there isn't enough juice to turn the motor. You say the lights come on, but test it by putting on the interior light, then put on the headlights, if the interior light dims or goes out the battery is almost certainly dead. It might be that you left something on and the battery drained, but sadly, poor batteries will fail completely in cold weather and that's end of life. First step is a jump start from a neighbour. If that starts it, run the vehicle around for half an hour and see if that has recharged the battery. When you come to turn it off to test it, PARK ON A GOOD HILL! Then if the battery is still dead, you can use the hill to roll down and bump start the vehicle (IF ITS A MANUAL OF COURSE). If the jump start fails, If the lights remain on and bright when you test, then you have a starter fault (Probably the starter motor its self). Expect it to be the battery. What you describe is a 90% probability that it is the battery

you need a new computer

Use WD40 spray and spry inside lock,Dirt can cause the sensor to stay open circuit either if it door is open or closed. Spray and open and close door few times, and repeat it till light goe's out.

Ours does the same thing, and every time it goes off we find an interior light on, or the glove box is open. Somehow the electrical circuit from the lights sets off the alarm. *shrug* Weird...

check your door switches.

Check your battery terminals make sure they are clean and corrosion free.
Also check all ...A-L-L courtesy lights in your car. there are some ceiling mounted lights that are passenger operated and may be on... Also check your glove compartment and consoles for lights.
Also check for charger cords... These have indicator lights and sometimes can drain the batt as well.
Also, under the hood, is a gravity activated lamp . Open the hood and make sure that it's going off and staying off as the hood closes...
Let me know if you find anything...
K

some of the wind star had bad wireing in the back. ive towed a bunch of the in for that and then towed them to the ford dealer to get fix.good luck

to repair this problem you must remove floor lights from seats and check the circuit for either a short or a stuck switch use a multi tester this can get to be irritating as the short may be not directly behind switch could be along wiring that runs through car my suggestion if your not electrically proficient is take it to an electromechanic shop or simply unplug the light from socket to avoid draining the battery.