Hi. A few months ago, I carelessly backed my '02 2.7L Sonata into a stationary object and knocked the body side molding off the driver's door. Aside from looking a bit ugly, the car continued to operate just fine, and I'm cheap (was quoted $250 a a local body shop to repair) so I have been driving it that way. However, the exposed holes left by the missing panel let moisture enter the door when it rains or the temperature drops below the dew point.

I began having problems with the driver's side power window switch, followed by the power mirror control. Then yesterday, all at once, everything went bonkers. The battery was drained over night and when I gave the car a jump, the parking lights were stuck on, the wipers were stuck on, the trunk release was firing every second, and the driver's side power window switches each worked in reverse. (down for up and vice versa)

I pulled the driver's door inside panel off and disconnected the window, locks and lights connectors.

I gave the car another jump and the lights and wipers were still stuck on (I had pulled the trunk fuse, so it was most likely still shorting out as well.)

So.. being nearly a complete car maintenance noob, I was hoping to get some sage advice for how to diagnose and fix whatever electrical problems I've obviously caused inside my driver's door.

Cleaning methods, testing methods. Whatever. I'm just ticked that this is happening. Can't afford to just drop it at a mechanic.

Thanks everybody!

p.s. The air bag light has been stuck on for a very long time, so if there's a quick fix for that, I might as well ask. Also, I already registered at hmaservice.com and I find that their instructions are lacking for detail. I need the detailed instructions for idiots guide.

Today, after letting the car sit overnight with the driver's door disassembled, the crazy short out appears to be resolved. However, I can't use the key fobs to disable the alarm. I have followed the manual's advice to leave it in the ignition in the on position for 30 seconds (I've tried longer too) and the alarm sounds every time and the ignition remains disabled.

I also found the instructions for reprogramming the keyless entry receiver according to hmaservice.com's Shop manual. However, there appears to be no switch on the little black box behind the stereo. Any ideas? I'm really stuck.

the switch is kinda hidden on the farthest end from you, its also sunk down in the little box so you cant really feel it, when i reproged min i took the box out completely. you will have to take off part of the bottom of the dash which a little bit of a pain but thats what i did.