You probably have shorted wires inside the combo switch. The assembly will need to be replaced.
It is under the black plastic trim plate under the windshield wipers.
Wipers normally use a breaker, not a fuse.
Changing fuses is not a hard task. Make sure the car is off, disconnect the battery if need be, remove the correct fuse, and push a new fuse in its place.
Bad turn signal switch probably.
In a 2001 Mercury Cougar, the fuse for the windshield wipers is located in the fuse box, which is typically found under the dashboard on the driver's side. You will need to remove the fuse box cover to access the fuses. Look for the fuse labeled for the windshield wipers; it is usually a 30-amp fuse. If the wipers are not functioning, check this fuse for any signs of damage or a blown filament.
Windshield wipers don't work
The front wiper arms on a 1997 Mercury Villager clip off once they are bent backwards. To install the new wipers simply slide them into the clip.
My wipers come on when the turn signal is used - Ford recommends replacing a revised mulifunction switch (turn signal switch)
Because they broke yo!
Why are there windshield wipers inside the car?
Replace the windshield wipers.
Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers in 1903.