Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1998 Mercury Villager GS, Van CargoFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Test G: Front Wipers Run With Switch Off
- Test front wiper/washer switch. See WIPER/WASHER SWITCH under COMPONENT TESTING. Replace multifunction switch as necessary. If switch is okay, go to next step.
- Disconnect wiper motor connector and Front Wiper/Washer Amplifier (FWWA) 6-pin connector. FWWA is located on left front strut tower. Measure resistance between ground and Blue/Orange wire at FWWA wiring harness 6-pin connector. If resistance is less than 10,000 ohms, repair short to ground in Blue/Orange wire. If resistance is 10,000 ohms or more, go to next step.
- Measure resistance between ground and Brown/White wire at FWWA wiring harness 6-pin connector. If resistance is less than 10,000 ohms, repair short to ground in Brown/White wire. If resistance is 10,000 ohms or more, go to next step.
- Measure resistance between ground and Red wire at FWWA wiring harness 6-pin connector. If resistance is less than 10,000 ohms, repair short to ground in Red wire. If resistance is 10,000 ohms or more, go to next step.
- Measure resistance of Red wire between FWWA wiring harness 6-pin connector and wiper motor wiring harness connector. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, replace FWWA. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open in Red wire.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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