Two problems related to windshield wiper/washer have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front windshield wipers fail to operate during wet/raining weather. The condition is intermittent, ie most wet conditions cause this 'lock-up' condition. Turning ignition off-and-on again in attempt to reset function does not work. In addition the interior lights, rear wiper, all power windows, and 4-wheel drive functions fail. The dealership ended up replacing the, you guessed it, gem module - the same one cited in the recall for other year vehicles. There is a recall (number 00v072000) for a similar problem on the same vehicle make and model but for years 1999 and 2000. This is a 1996 Ford Explorer 4x4 and has exhibited this problem for several years now, only recently was the dealership able to determine that the gem module was the apparent culprit.
Wipers fail regularly. 5/01 motor replaced. 10/02 stem replaced. 1/03 relay replaced. 9/03 motor replaced again.