Two problems related to electrical failure have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was contacted and appeared on the scene to assist. The fire department determined that the fire was contributed to an electrical failure. There were no injuries and a fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and the current mileage was 225,000.
Windshield wipers failed during rain, managed to pull off road safely. (other electrical devices failed as well) wipers no longer work. Vehicle is out of service until repaired. Ford is aware of problems. See Ford technical service bulletin 98-9-13 and Ford special message #15773 .