my 97 f150 has about 300k on it, and no major problems until today. the battery died a few nights ago and i recharged it, no problems, went to work today and coming home noticed my 4x4 light on the dash illuminated and then went out, so i assumed maybe it was an electrical glitch so i played with my windows and they wouldnt roll down, so i rode it out until i got home, turned the truck off and then back on and no lights and the windows worked fine. then i went to shut off the truck and remove the key, and the lights are illuminated on the dash as if the key was in the "on" position with not key in it. any suggestions?

 

For the light probems you are discribing a GEM module issue.
This module controls a lot of functions you would not normally associate with.
It may be getting wet from a windshield leaK.
Replacing the GEM requires it be programmed with the same data as the old one.
You may have battery and/or charging issues as well from an old battery and worn alternator.
Have to do the checking to see what you are up against.

 

I agree with Bluegrass, sounds like you may need to have your battery or alternator tested. My 97 acted funny with odd symptoms when the alternator was going bad.