1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 287

Headlamp Wiring The headlamp wiring is protected by a circuitbreaker in the fuseblock. An electrical overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. If this happens, have your headlamp wiring checked right away. Fuses and Circuit Breakers The wiring circuits inyour vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible thermallinks in the wiring itself. This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by electrical problems. Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the band is broken or melted, replace fuse. Be sure you the 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 your vehicle that you of can get along without -- like the radio or cigarette lighter -- and use its fuse,if it isthe 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. Windshield Wipers The windshieldwiper motor is protectedby an internal circuit breakerand a fuse.If the motor overheats dueto heavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motor cools. If the overload is caused by some electrical problem and not snow, etc., be sure to getit fixed. Power Windows and Other Power Options Circuit breakers in the fuse panel protect the power windows and other power accessories. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit breakeropens and closes, protecting the circuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.