Four problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ignition lock cylinder stuck in on position. Unable to start vehicle or shut off ignition. Had to disconnect battery to prevent drain. The plastic slide that activates the ignition switch broke while the ignition was in the "on" position, and the steering wheel lock does not work.
Ongoing problem with cargo lights and courtesy lights remaining on intermittently or staying on for 45 minutes or more, also, ignition switch alarm remains on even after vehicle started. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and infomred consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty, and repairs would only be at consumer's cost. The cargo and interior light stayed on draining the battery.
The ignition key can be removed when the vehicle is in motion. When shutting down the vehicle, the engine stops (of course), however sometime you can restart the vehicle without the key. In other words, I can not be sure that the vehicle is secure all the time, since there are times when it will start and run without the key in the ingnition.
While vehicle was parked driver smelled smoke, opened up the hood and went back to vehicle and the dash exploded. First before all this happened, vehicle died out. So went to look for the problem and that is when smelled smoke and seen the dash on fire.