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Types of Car Fuses
There are several different types of car fuses available, and it’s important to choose the correct type for your specific make and model. The most common include:
- Blade fuses
- Mini blade fuses
- Glass tube fuses
- High-current/mega fuses
- And Maxi fuses
Blade fuses are the most standard type used in passenger vehicles and feature two metal blades that fit into a plastic case. Mini blade fuses are similar in design but are much smaller than their regular-sized counterparts. Glass tube fuses have a cylindrical external casing with two metal ends. High-voltage fuses have a variety of designs but are much more durable and used for high-current applications like starters and alternators. And maxi fuses are like gigantic blade fuses for some of the most energy-consuming systems.
How to Identify a Blown Fuse
Blown fuses in car systems aren’t always the easiest to find at a glance. While it can be tricky, it’s important to check the fuses to make sure your vehicle is functioning safely and properly. One of the easiest ways to identify a blown fuse is by examining the metal filament in the transparent plastic casing. If they have melted or if there is discoloration, chances are that the fuse has blown.
You can also use a multimeter or circuit tester to measure electrical resistance across the prongs of the fuse and see if current is flowing through it. Another easy way to test for a blown fuse is by replacing it with another one that has the same rating and seeing if it allows the circuit to power up or not.
How to Replace a Car Fuse
Once you’ve identified the bad fuse, it’s time to change it. The process of how to change a fuse in a fuse box can be intimidating, especially for larger fuses, but it doesn’t have to be. Before you begin, purchase a new fuse of the exact same type and amperage rating as the old fuse.
1. Before Replacing a Fuse
Ensure the ignition is turned off and the key is out of the car, and always keep yourself and your equipment away from the cooling fan and drive belts in case they activate unexpectedly. Even better, disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent current from flowing at all.
2. Replaceing Blade-Style Fuses
For blade-style fuses including standard, maxi, and mini blade fuses, it helps to have a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Gently grip the edge of the fuse and pull it out, gently rocking it side to side if there’s too much resistance. Once the fuse comes free, simply line up the prongs on the new fuse and push it in place.
3. Replacing Larger Blown Fuses
For any larger blown fuses in car high-energy systems, there’s a chance they’re fastened in place with screws or bolts. Identify if they’re just held in with tension or if you’ll need a screwdriver or socket to get it free. Remove any fasteners and remove the blown fuse to discard it. When you’re installing the new fuse, fasteners often need to be tightened to spec or they won’t have the proper conductivity. Locate that specification and use a torque wrench to install it.
4. Reconnect Battery Cable
Once you’ve finished installing your new fuse, connect the battery cable again and check that the circuit is now powering up. You’ll probably have to reset the radio station presets and any other memory settings to finish the job.
Tips and Tricks for Replacing Car Fuses
Any DIYer can safely change a car fuse, and it doesn’t take long. To ensure it’s done safely and with as little potential for problems as possible, here are some tips and tricks:
- Keep an assortment of common fuses your vehicle uses in your glove box.
- Disconnect the battery before changing the fuse to prevent the possibility of a short circuit or accidentally blowing the fuse.
- Push blade-style fuses in by hand to prevent cracking or breaking them.
- A visual check of blade fuses is often successful in identifying a bad fuse, but it isn’t always perfect. Don’t hesitate to double-check a fuse with a multimeter or test light even if it looks like the filament is intact.
When you need any parts for your car from drivetrain repairs to new fuses, shop at an AutoZone near you. You’ll find all of the parts, fluids, tools, and accessories you’ll ever require in one place. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our Preferred Shops to help you do the job.
FAQ/People Also Ask
Can you replace a car fuse by yourself?
Yes, fuses are small, simple parts that can be changed quickly by any DIYer.
How do you tell if a fuse is blown in a car?
A test light or multimeter is the best way to check for continuity. However, with blade fuses, you can often see if the filament is still good or not.
How do you replace a dead fuse in a car?
Most fuses can be pulled out by hand, using the fuse puller, or with pliers, and a new fuse carefully pushed into its place.
Can I pull a car fuse with my hand?
Most blade-style fuses can be pulled out by hand, yes. If it’s too difficult to grip, a pair of needle-nose pliers can help.
Is replacing a fuse expensive?
Fuses are usually only a few dollars, although some of the high-current fuses can be much more expensive.
