I'm having a bunch of electrical probs after jumping my 97 f-150...including the radio display comes and goes, the headlights come on by themselves (and can't turn off), the door ajar chime dings even when the key isn't in the ignition, the speedo doesn't always move, etc...etc...

 

make sure the battery is connected correctly.start the truck and then disconnect the battery with it still running. take off both cables but dont let the pos. terminal touch anything. see if you still have the problems. if not the battery could be shorted out.

 

check your Fuse box under left side of instrument panel also contains the GEM module you may have water intrusion in turn means you may have a waterleak poss windshield leak?
dripping down onto fusebox I have done numerous GEMS and fuse boxes I work at a local FORD dealer and this is a common problem with the older Fseries. It could cause all kinds of electrical gremlins. good luck

 

as stated by myqalan, I would agree.
Look for a water leak near the seams of the cab,
dozens of gems have died due to drowning.
Good Luck

FordMasterTech