When I turn the key to crank the ('97) truck all that happens is the wiper and washer both come on continuously. Anyone have any ideas as to what would cause this.

 

I see you live in Tex. and from traveling through there I remember a lot of rain. Have you had rain recently? There has been a problem for quite a few years with water intrusion (I believe on the L. side) at the bottom of the winshield that then runs down and gets in the fuse box and shorts things out. Causes LOTS of problems. Check that out.

 

do you have the Ford factory security system ( an option from Ford prior to PATS ) or an aftermarket alarm installed ?

The Ford system would have the standard remote keyless entry door fobs for it, and if you have this the easy test.

Roll down the window, exit the truck and close the door and press the lock on the remote. Reach through the window and open the door with the door handle, if the horn sounds, that is the factory system.

If install, there is an ignition interupt that might be giving you grief from a leaking windshield ( what code58 posted about above ).

Check for signs of water damage at the kick panel on the driver's side ( remove and check the carpet and behind the carpet for signs of water / rust ).

 

I don't have an alarm. I have learned that it is the Generic Electronic Module.
The door locks are also working in reverse, which is another symptom of a bad GEM.

Thanks

 

the GEM module is tied to way too much on this truck......
another problem you will find is if the 4x4 and 4low lights are on but you are in 2wd (the lights can be dim to full illumination) then the transfer case has water in it and shorts out the sensor inside.

just adding my 2 cent from prev. troubles

 

Last time this happened to me it was a bad ground.