I have already checked the fuses & banged on the motor to no avail...what next?

What's next? Auto repair shop. lol You check all the fuses ? How looking at them ? Did you check for battery voltage across the fuses using a voltmeter ? Did you look at a wiring diagram to see what all is involve in making the blower motor work. Just replacing parts is not how to fix the problem.

TechConnect Ep.37 - How To Test A Chevy Blower Motor Resistor (DR775) - YouTube

The wiper motor itself could be bad.

Hi Maddie, I'm glad to help! Below, I have posted a diagnostic procedure to see why the wipers are not working on your Dakota. Hope this helps and have an awesome day Maddie!



DIAGNOSIS
WIPER MOTOR

The following are wiper motor system problems,
tests to be performed to locate the faulty part, and
the proper action to be taken. If the malfunction involves
only the delay mode, switch, or wiring, see the
diagnosis for Intermittent Wipe Module and Wiper/
Washer Switch.
CONDITION
Motor will not run in any wiper/washer
switch position.
PROCEDURE

(1) Check fuse 10 in the fuseblock module. If OK,
go to step 3. If not OK, replace fuse and go to next
step.
(2) Check motor operation in all wiper/washer
switch positions. If not OK and fuse blows, go to step
5. If not OK and fuse is OK, go to next step.
(3) Place wiper/washer switch in LOW position and
listen to motor. If you cannot hear it running, go to
next step. If motor is running, check motor output
shaft. If output shaft is not turning, replace motor
assembly. If it is turning, drive link to output shaft
or linkage is not properly connected. Replace worn
parts and/or properly connect drive link to the motor
output shaft.
(4) Connect a voltmeter between motor terminal L
and ground strap (Fig. 1). If there is little or no voltage
(less than 1 volt), move negative test lead from
the ground strap to battery negative terminal. If an
increase in voltage is noticed, the problem is a bad
ground circuit. Make sure the motor mounting is free
of paint and that mounting fasteners are tight. If
there is still no indication of voltage, the problem is
an open in wiring or faulty wiper/washer switch. If a
small increase (greater than 3 volts) in voltage is observed,
the problem is a faulty motor assembly.
(5) Disconnect motor wiring connector and replace
fuse. If fuse does not blow, motor is defective. If fuse
blows, wiper/washer switch or wiring is at fault.
CONDITION
Motor runs slowly at all speeds.
PROCEDURE

(1) Disconnect wiring harness connector at motor.
Remove wiper arms and blades. Connect an ammeter
between battery and terminal L on motor (Fig. 2). If
motor runs and average ammeter reading is more
than 6 amps, continue to next step. If motor runs
and average ammeter reading is less than 6 amps, go
to step 3.
(2) Check wiper linkage or pivots for binding or obstruction.
Disconnect drive link from motor. If motor
now runs and draws less than 3 amps, repair linkage
system. If motor continues to draw more than 3
amps, replace motor assembly.
(3) Check motor wiring harness for short between
high and low speed circuits. Connect a voltmeter or
test lamp to motor ground strap. Set wiper/washer
switch to LOW position. Connect other lead of voltmeter
(test lamp) to terminal H of the wiring harness.
If voltage is present, there is a short in the
wiring or wiper/washer switch. If no voltage is
present, go to next step.
(4) Set wiper/washer switch to HIGH position.
Move voltmeter (test lamp) lead from terminal H to
terminal L of the wiring harness. If voltage is
present, there is a short in the wiring or wiper/
washer switch.
CONDITION
Motor will run at high speed, but not at low
speed.
Fig. 1 Voltmeter Between Terminal L and Ground
Motor will run at low speed, but not at high speed.
Fig. 2 Ammeter Between Terminal L and Battery
WIPER AND WASHER SYSTEMS 8K - 3

replace the fuse box as the fuse is welded in place

THE CHILD LOCK MAY BE ENGAGED IT IS BESIDE THE DRIVERS WINDOW SWITCH. OPEN THE DOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE. TURN ON THE KEY. ENGAGE THE WINDOW SWITCH IN THE DESIRED DIRECTION WHILE BANGING ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR ENOUGH TO JAR THE MOTOR

the wires can get cut by the seat movement, these could be the wiring for heated seat that was an extra on some models. the motors can become stuck or even strip a cog. if its stopped working but fuse is fine i would think the bushes in the motor have gone you maybe able to change thes i think this part is still available if not it could be a new motor need, but befor this check the switch for the seat these are a common fault over time, you will need a meter to test the switch check its working and has power. you may need some help to do the next part. to check there is power to the motor while its out use a meter and check the volts at the motor plug and have some one press the switch in both directions. if there is power then the motor is at fault.

The WOT ( Wide Open Throttle ) relay is controlled by the PCM, this is a relay that is powered by fuse #13 in the engine compartment fuse panel. 1st thing to check, this is the same for both the L & the NA 5.4L engine.

The next problem could be with the high speed fuel pump motor or the fuel pump relay . The SC 5.4L has 2 fuel pump motors in the fuel pump assembly. You should get a DTC if there is an issue here ( low fuel rail pressure, or a DTC specific to the high speed fuel pump ).

The other items to check, when you are in boost, Charge air cooler pump relay & fuse ( engine compartment fuse panel, fuse #106 ).

do you have a tune loaded ? ( chip installed with the edge pins or download via the DTC port ) ?

Auto A/C? manual A/C??? all speeds? check fuse 25 amp, A/C ,in instrument panel fuse block, A/C fuse 30 amp, in under hood fuse block.

"my daughters 1998 vw cabrio has a top that won\'t go up or down. i need to find the fuse for it. i know it\'s not the motor or hydrylics i have already checked those out. so that leaves the button or the fuse... but i don\'t have a diagram for the fuse box. Please help. "

Here's the list and link for the fuse locations.

Fuse/Relay Locations on 1996 VW Cabrio.

Fuses, left to right:
1. Head light, low beam, left
2. Head light, low beam, right
3. Instrument & License plate lights
4. Glove box light
5. Wiper/washer
6. Fresh air fan
7. Tail light & side marker, right
8. Tail light & side marker, left
9. Rear window defogger
10. Fog lights
11. High beam & indicator, left
12. High beam, right
13. Horn
14. Backup lights
15. Open
16. Dash warning lights
17. Emergency flasher & turn signals
18. Fuel pump
19. Radiator fan & AC
20. Brake lights & cruise control
21. Interior lights & digital clock
22. Radio & cigarette lighter

Relays

1. AC
2. Rear window wiper
3. Digilant control unit
4. Load Reduction
5. Open
6. Emergency flasher
7. Fog lights
8. Intermittent wiper
9. Seat belt warning
10. Open
11. Horn
12. Fuel pump
13. Radiator cooling fan
14. Starting interlock
15. Open
16. Open
17. Open
18. Daytime running lights
19. Auto trans
20. Open
21. AC & power seats
22. Power windows
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yea remove it and try banging on the motor a bit it may go up at least. it need replacing if you checked fuses already