my parents have a 2001 explorer. a year after the warranty ran out a problem arose with the lights. when you exit the vehicle the lights inside and on the mirror stay on for up to thirty minutes. when you hit the remote to lock it it gives the warning that an entry point is not closed properly, but all points are secure and tight. it is baffling trying to figure out the problem. any help.

Might be a door latch switch that is hanging a little.

how is this tested? what do i look for?

You can spray the latch mechanism with some good quality penetrating lubricant and open and close each door a few times to see if it helps.