I have a '97 F-150 2WD V-6 out of warranty.
Another problem I am having is when I open my drivers side door, the key is in the ignition reminder chime goes off even when there is no key in the ignition. If I tap on the top of the steering colum while it is chiming it will stop for a second or two but then come right back on again.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

There is a switch in the ignition lock that senses when a key is inserted. It sounds like yours is sticking, try spraying some WD40 into the slot where the key goes to lube the switch, then run the key in and out a dozen or so times to work the switch. You may have to do this a couple of times.

Hope this helps.