Now before we jump into this.
I've searched all over the internet and these forums for advice on the topic. In fact, that's what led to me creating this account to ask for some advice/help.
On my 1997 F150 XL, the headlights NEVER turn off. I have to remove the fuse under the hood to turn them off, it seems to be the only way.
I've read a few posts on these forums suggesting that it could be the multifunction switch, although I don't think that's the case since it's only the low lights that won't turn off, and the switch seems to work perfectly fine turning the high beams off and on.
The next thing I read was that it could be an issue with the DRL Relay. I found a link here explaining where they are located and preceded to disconnect them, only to have no results.
I saw another post online suggesting that it could be the GEM Module. Although I'm almost positive that since my truck is a two wheel drive without any sort of power windows/locks that it has a CTM Module instead. Could that be causing the issue?

My question at this point I guess is what would be the most common issue causing my headlights to stay on? What could be some issues that would cause this to occur?

 

The GEM module. Your truck has one. It will be something like F75B-14B205-LB for the number on it. The only difference with the number and yours will be possibly the last letters LB. It might be another set of letters, but the rest will be was is posted for a 97. You will find it attached to the back of the interior fuse panel. It is a bit difficult to get to, but it is doable.

Go to YouTube and type in 97 ford f150 GEM module replacement. You will find a few videos to show you how to remove and replace it. DON"T forget to pull the negative battery cable before starting this job. You need one out of a 97 or 98 only. 98 starts with F85B. The 99 and up GEM will not fit 97-98.

 

Hey sorry it's been such a long time since I've replied. I've been rather busy over the last couple months with work and school, and sadly my truck having more issues. lol
I've fixed a lot of stuff myself, as well getting some things fixed at a Mechanic. I haven't had a chance to check the GEM Module yet to see if it is indeed the issue, but the sympotoms have changed a bit.

Originally the headlights always stayed on regardless of where I had the headlight switch set to or where I had the Multi-function switch at. The High beams worked as did the Pass to Flash, with the only way of turning the lights off being to remove the fuse. The issue has since changed quite a bit. Now the low beam lights won't turn on at all, and neither will the high beams, but the pass to flash still works.

I'm suspecting it might be an issue in the multi function switch itself, as I've googled the new symptoms and found a lot of links to forums with people suggesting similar issue.

 

I have autolamps on my 2003.

I have had the headlamp relay stick and not turn off (even turning switch off) until the security cutoff happens 15 sec after exiting and locking vehicle.

Replacing headlamp relay fixed that ....one time. For about a year +.

Now it happens again, same thing. (Its aggravating because you cant turn lights off if want too.) But ...its not the relay. Its not the autolamp module. Looking at the schematic...theres no way for me to have power to the relay with switch off , but ..I DO. Pull relay out it clicks off, put another new one in , it clicks on. Somehow I have a short that puts power to my headlight relay sometimes..not all the time...no idea where it is. security circuit is only thing that cuts it off by interrupting the ground for headlight relay after exit vehicle..

havent had time to run it down. Its not the switch either...

Could be harness or plug...havent checked proximity of hot and autolamp pins

 

Dude at least your vehicle shuts it's lights off because of the security. lol Mine used to stay on all night and drain the battery, and now they don't work at all. If my money situation was better I'd just buy a new truck and say screw it. I've already dumped 1100 into other issues on my truck.

 

all the switched power goes thru headlight switch on mine. Relay is only for autolamp circuit. Im getting power to that relay, when I shouldnt be, and only power source is wire from main switch.
Gem only works ground side to cut off when get out of vehicle with autolamps left on. It always does this whether autolamps are supposed to be on or not luckily

Easy to see how 20 amps for headlights might melt something somewhere if theres a poor or corroded connection. Thats what happened on my 95 z71 come to think of it. Had to replace switch and plug that both melted due to oxidized copper terminals

 

Your appears simple. Main switch and multifunction switch. No gem involvement I see for 97 on schematic unless the multifunction is embedded there. Its just shown as mf switch though on dimple schematic. The mf gets power that bypasses the main switch.
Looking at schematic im not clear how it works but its there.

If high and low are wonky, multifunction has to be involved, assuming low beams arent burnt out. You have low beam fuse for each, and a high beam fuse, in addition to msin headlight 30 amp fuse

 

You said DRL? As in daytime running lamps?
Your truck has that?
.

 

Just figured I'd let you guys know I got a wiring diagram and pdf copy of the owners manual.
Got in there to check everything, the first thing I checked was the headlamp switch itself. As of right now it seems like the culprit, or at least the majority of the cause of the problems. I took a picture to show to my friend who's a mechanic, the contacts and plastic on the backside are all sorts of burnt up. I'll be getting a new one soon and I'll be sure to post more info if it fixes my problems.
Here's a picture of it as you can see it's all burned up.

 

I hope you got this squared by now. According to headlamp circuit for 97, terminal 5 of the main light switch needs to have +12V for headlamps (high or low) to be on. Main light switch is a mechanical device, and it is difficult to expect Terminal 5 magically connecting to Terminal 4 and receiving +12V in OFF position..

If main light switch failed to deliver +12V to Terminal 5 because of terminal oxidation, it would make sense. But.........I am curious to know the result of main light switch replacement. I am facing a similar problem. In my case, horn stays on. I may be able to borrow your solution. Please post the outcome. Thank you.