Two problems related to anti-theft controller have been reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine check light will continuously come on and stay on. Also, alarm will come on from time to time, causing vehicle to shut off. Contacted dealer who could not find cause of problem. The door switches will not allow the interior light to go off until the vehicle is in full motion with the clutch let all the way out. When backing up in the dark it is hard to see out of the back window because of the interior light being illuminated.
The interior dome light and ignition alarm will not stop/turn off when vehicle is turned off. The ignition alarm stops only when the key is removed, the dome light stays on for extreme extended periods of time. I have had this repaired once in 1998 or 99. Vehicle was under warranty. The Ford motor company refuses to correct their defect (12,000 mile/12mo period is up) even though it is recurring. This is a safety hazard. I can't drive at night, because I cannot see out of my windows.