Three problems related to underhood wiring have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mystique. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer had received recall 99v703000 notice before on wiring harness failure that afected headlights. Problem had happened again. But, dealer refused to repair, and consumer had received a notice on brakes as well.
I was drying my car off after washing it; the engine was off and the wiring under the hood just beyond the dash on the driver's side started smoking and caught fire. After the fire went out, when I started the engine, the wipers came on and would not go off until I removed the fuse. All panel lights are off. Previously, about six weeks before the fire event, the panel lights fuse blew (when it was raining) and I replaced it and the panel lights were dim.
While drying vehicle after washing it at carwash noticed smoke from under hood. Lifted hood & electrical wires were on fire. Had fire extinguished. There was some damage to wires, including wiper motor. Was able to drive vehicle to dealer & mechanic was able to repair damage.