Trying to find ways for checking and replacing fuses? What should I do when the fuse blows out?
The fuse could be the reason why an electrical component may stop working. Also, it is one of the easiest ways to check. Moreover, it is more likely that fuse is the problem.
Usually, fuses are in a group in a panel or a box with a cover. Generally, they are easily accessible from the bulkhead under the bonnet.
However, there are sometimes hidden under the dashboard or inside the front knee-well. Nonetheless, you can find the location in your owner’s manual. If you do not have the manual, it cannot be easy to find.
To know more about checking and replacing fuses, please keep reading. In this article, you will find additional useful insights on the fuses as well.
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If the power is out in the car, you can check the fuses by simply looking at them. You will have to look for charred black marks inside the damaged fuse. Or, you may find a broken filament wire.
If there are no signs, you can use a multimeter or a test light to check if the fuse is working properly. You can solve the electrical problems by simply replacing the damaged fuse. We shall discuss checking and replacing fuses in your car as you read on.
Here follows a step-by-step process of replacing fuses:
Step 1: Find the Fuse Box
Look under the dashboard or hood for your vehicle’s fuse box. Cars will have two or more fuse boxes, depending on the model. However, you will always have to look for it since there is no universal placement standard for fuse boxes.
Most cars have them under the steering wheel, inside the glove box, near the car’s battery or engine. Some boxes will be clearly labeled as ‘FUSES,’ while there will be no labeling in other models. Nonetheless, it will be a gray or black box that you can easily recognize.
You can check the car’s manual, as mentioned earlier, to find the fuse boxes. However, if you do not have a manual, you can search for fuse box placement of your particular car model.
Step 2: Find the Target Fuse
The next step is to find the fuse that is in question. If an individual device stopped working, you need to find the fuse for that particular device.
Unlatch the fuse that is on the side of the box and loosen the cover. Next, you need to check inside the box for the fuse that controls the device.
Firstly, you need to find the diagram that will help you list the fuses’ amperage. Then, you will need to know which fuse requires replacement.
Once you know that, you will have to find a replacement. Furthermore, always make sure to turn off your car before reaching for the fuse box.
Step 3: Remove the Blown Fuse
Once you know which fuse is causing the problem, you can remove it. You can use a pair of tweezers or a fuse puller to remove it. Some cars and fuse replacement kits come with small plastic fuse pullers.
If you don’t have either of them, you can use your fingers to pull the fuse carefully. Also, remember to keep the keys out to avoid accidentally turning the engine on.
Step 4: Check the Fuse
It is not easy to find the fuse that actually blew. You need to hold it up to the light and look for a thin wire. This wire connects two sides of the fuse.
If it is broken, you have found your broken fuse. You need to double-check your diagram to make sure you have the right fuse. Also, if all the fuses are all right and your car’s electrical system is still not fine, it needs mechanical attention. You can use a multimeter to check if you are unable to see if the damaged fuse.
Step 5: Install New Fuse
If you found which fuse is blown, you can immediately head to an auto shop or purchase suitable fuels online. First, you will have to bring a fuse with an amperage that suits the one that blew. Then, you will have to insert the replacement fuse into the slot where the old fuse was there.
Ensure the car is off before you fix the fuse into the right slot. You will have to press down the replacement into the slot carefully with suitable pressure.
Furthermore, cars have color-coded fuses, which means you can hardly make any mistakes. So, if you bring a fuse of different color, you will know that it is not a match right away.
Plus, ensure the prong shape of the replacement fuse matches with the old one. Then, you can take the help of an employee at the store or online to find the perfect replacement.
Step 6: Check the Replacement Fuse
You can check if the new fuse is working alright by following these simple methods. All you have to do is put your key in the ignition and turn the car on to accessories mode.
Then, open the fuse box and insert the tester into the fuse’s tiny port. If the tester lights up, the new fuse is working properly. If it does not, you have not got the right fuse, or there is something else wrong with the car.
Tools Required for Checking and Replacing Fuses
Checking and replacing fuses does not require as many tools since it is an easy and quick job. Nonetheless, you will need all the tools mentioned below.
- Flashlight
- Test Light
- Needle nose pliers, fuse puller, or tweezers
Final Words
Checking and replacing the fuse on your can save you a lot of time and money. Moreover, if your new fuse blows out soon after replacement, there may be a problem with the circuit. Also, check out this guide explaining how to start a car without keys.
So, book an appointment with your mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. Also, we hope that this article on checking and replacing fuses was helpful to you when you needed it.
