1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 286

Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuit breaker located in the instrument panel fuse block. An electrical overload will cause the headlamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp system checked right away. Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible links. This greatly reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical problems. Windshield Wipers The windshield wipermotor is protected by a circuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due to heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the overload iscaused by some electrical problem, have it fixed. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is brokenor melted, replace the fuse. Be sure to replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating. If you ever have a problem on the road and don't have a spare fuse, you can "borrow" one that has the same amperage. Just pick a feature of your vehicle that you can get along without -- like the radio or cigarette lighter -- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage. Replace it as soon as you can. There are two fuse blocks in your vehicle: the instrument panel fuse block and the engine compartment fuse block. Power Windows and Other Power Options Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power windows andother power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed. 6-59