Rear wiper won't work. 1998 Windstar.

What ususally goes out, switch, or motor?
Where can I get another new, or rebuilt motor without going to the dealer?
Thanks.

What are the symptoms? Just doesn't work or what? My 2001, the wiper intermittent wouldn't travel all the way , but it would keep trying each time and get a bit further. I opened it up and the brushes were kind of stuck, so I cleaned them and the stator. But the brushes were near the end of life and I didn't know where I could get new ones. I am in Canada, so I went to Lordco and they had rebuilt Carne??? wiper motors. With a big discount I paid $75, but regular price was $130. 100% fixed all my wiper problems. You could have a blown fuse, shorted wire, dirty contact on the stick on the steering column etc. I would check around before buying a new motor. You can remove the wiper motor and then test that you are getting DC voltage to the wiper. Have the van on and intermittent on and then test the incomer relative to ground. I can't remember what the voltage shoud be, but if it goes positive on and off, then you know you have power and its not a switch or wire, it's the motor.

By the way, the motor is easy to remove and fairly easy to open up and inspect the internals to see what shape it is in. I think I had my wiper motor out of the van in 10 minutes. For a 2001, lift the plastic cover (careful not to break) over the shaft of the wiper on the outside of the van and undo the nut to remove the wiper arm, then remove two screws in the handle inside the tailgate, then pull the plastic wall cover off (it is held with push in reusable type clips), then you have access to the wiper motor. The motor is held to the tailgate with three screws and a wire harness. Undo the screws and the harness and pull it out of the glass. Piece of piss! Good luck.

I had to replace my rear wiper motor assembly on my 1999 Windstar recently. The motor had failed. It was a pretty easy fix as described here.
I recall ordering a new (rebuilt) wiper assembly from one of the discount on-line auto parts places (Murray's I think). It wasn't all that expensive ; under $100.

It is a very easy part to replace.