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Your vehicle runs on electricity as much as it does on gas. And almost every electrical device in your vehicle, from your lights to your ABS brakes, is protected by a fuse, so it pays to know how to find and replace them. It takes about five minutes, costs about$1, and even better, it’ll save you the hassle of a trip to the repair shop.
Vehicles today have 40 or more fuses grouped in two or more places. Usually located in or around the instrument panel near the dash, fuses can also be found under the hood and even under the rear seat.
Next time your radio, lights or other device stops working, chances are, a blown fuse is the culprit. Look under “Fuses” in your owner’s manual for help finding your fuse panels. Most manuals have a diagram showing you where each fuse box is. Each fuse panel cover should have a diagram listing each device and the corresponding fuse.
Fuses are color coded by amp rating. For example, a standard blue fuse has a 15-amp rating, yellow is 20 amps and green is 30. Before you buy fuses, keep in mind that the fuse panel cover often contains spare fuses and even a fuse puller(Photo 2 inset). Just be sure to replace the spares so they’ll be there the next time you need them. You can buy them at any auto parts store and at well-stocked service stations.
Note: If your new fuse blows soon after installing it, you could have problems in that circuit. Schedule an appointment with your service station or dealer for an expert diagnosis to repair the problem.
WARNING:
Never replace a blown fuse with a higher-amp fuse. Always
replace the fuse with one with the specified amp rating. You may install the
next-smaller-rated fuse to get you by in a pinch until you can purchase a
replacement.
In-line Fuses
Click image to enlarge.
Some accessories that aren’t factory installed
may have a remote in-line fuse. These fuses can be located under the dash,
under the hood or even in the trunk depending on the circuit they protect. They
most likely protect an aftermarket accessory like fog lights or a CD changer.
The best way to find an in-line fuse is to trace the wire from the accessory to
the fuse panel. Along the way, you’ll notice a fuse container that looks like
one of these shown. Open the housing to pull out the fuse and examine it.
Replace it with one of the same size and amperage and snap the housing back
together.
1 Check your
owner’s manual for the location of your fuse box. It may be under the hood,
under the dash, beneath the side kick panels or under the rear
seat.
2 Remove the
cover and look for a locator sticker. You may need to check your owner’s manual
for the location of the fuse you’re looking for. Many fuse covers contain extra
fuses and fuse pullers on the backside (inset photo). If you use one of them,
replace it the next time you go to the auto parts
store.
3 Remove the
fuse that’s labeled for the device that’s not working, for example, the fan,
radio, lighter or marker lights. Use a needle-nose pliers or a fuse puller
(available at auto parts stores).
Click image to enlarge.
4 Hold the
fuse up to the light to see if it’s burned out. You’ll see a fine wire
connecting the two sides if the fuse is good. If a section of that wire has
burned away, the fuse is bad.
Click image to enlarge.
5 Most fuses
used in vehicles today are one of three types: mini, standard or maxi. The mini
and standard are fast-acting fuses that protect the majority of your vehicle’s
circuits, including those for lights and radios. The maxi fuses are slow-acting
fuses that protect circuits with a large current draw such as those for
anti-lock brakes, rear window defogger and traction
control.
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