One problem related to wiper has been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Have experienced periods when the windshield wipers do not operate when the control is on. Has occurred when first turning on the control as well as when changing from a different speed setting on the control. No regularity in the occurrence, seems to be random. This has occurred many times during my ownership since 2000. I was checking the database and found an entry on this problem under "defect investigations" so I am adding my experience to your records.