6-67Electrical SystemAdd-On Electrical EquipmentNOTICE:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicleunless you check with your dealer first. Someelectrical equipment can damage your vehicleand the damage wouldn’t be covered by yourwarranty. Some add- on electrical equipmentcan keep other components from working asthey should.Your vehicle has an air bag system. Before attempting toadd anything electrical to your vehicle, see “ServicingYour Air Bag- Equipped Vehicle” in the Index.Windshield WipersThe windshield wiper motor is protected by an internalcircuit breaker and a fuse. If the motor overheats due toheavy snow, etc., the wiper will stop until the motorcools. If the overload is caused by some electricalproblem and not snow, etc., be sure to get it fixed.Power Windows and Other Power OptionsCircuit breakers protect the power windows and otherpower accessories. When the current load is too heavy,the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting thecircuit until the problem is fixed or goes away.Fuses and Circuit BreakersThe wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected fromshort circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakersand fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces thechance of fires caused by electrical problems.Look at the silver- colored band inside the fuse. If theband is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure youreplace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical sizeand rating.If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have aspare fuse, you can borrow one that has the sameamperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle thatyou can get along without -- like the radio or cigarettelighter -- and use its fuse, if it is the correct amperage.Replace it as soon as you can.
