1994 Ford Taurus Interior Lights

Interior problem
1994 Ford Taurus Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Automatic 10000 miles

After temperatures dropped overnight, I had trouble opening my doors, this morning, as they were frozen shut! I only needed to get something inside the car, so after struggling with the driver side unsuccessfully, I tried the passenger door, and it opened. I retrieved my item, closed and locked the door, and went on my way. About eight hours later I returned home, to notice the driver side door was a bit ajar. Without giving it much thought, I did one of those "hip throws" and shut the door tight.

Several hours later I had to go somewhere, got in the car, turned the ignition, and nothing. No lights, no door lock, not a sound. My initial thought was obviously the slight door being ajar caused the battery to drain, and wasn't freaking out, since the battery was brand new. I figured it would start right up with jumper cables, and was absolutely correct.

However, and it's a big however, the dome light and lights on the front door panels would not go off. I tried the dimmer switch, opening/closing all doors, etc. And they wouldn't shut off. I finally left, went inside and expressed my rage very inappropriately!

I called my husband who is out of town, and of course got accused of "doing something" to it, because stuff just doesn't happen. As best I can recall I haven't even driven it in about five days, since I drove his vehicle after last Wednesday.

I've also been keeping an eye on it to see if or when the lights would go out, and about an hour after this fiasco, saw they were out. I was going to go out and see if it started, and if the same thing would happen, but my son went. The car wouldn't crank again, and he said the lights were still on, but very, very dim.

I'll admit after I got it started, I didn't leave it running for very long, considering the light situation, so wonder if this is just a result of the battery being drained.

Can you please help me? What could be the problem? Is this something I can deal with while he's away, or will it require "manly intervention" to correct? I am so frustrated because we had some major problem and this car was actually inopperable for over three years. I only got it back, working this Christmas, and the thought of going one day again without transportation is just too much for me to deal with. I'm just about ready to take a baseball bat to it, and scatter pieces all around town!

Please help.I'm a desperate woman.

Thank you.