Here’s how to check and replace car fuses yourself – Jalopnik

Car fuses are protective electrical components designed to protect your car’s electrical system. Inside each fuse is a narrow metal connection that is designed to melt and act as a circuit breaker when the current exceeds the rated limit. But do you know how to replace the fuse if it blows?

Before starting any electrical work, it is important that you turn off your car and disconnect the battery for safety. Next, locate the fuse boxes. They are usually located under the dashboard and in the engine compartment. Once you have located the correct fuse box, identify the blown fuse. Find the correct fuse using the diagram (usually found under the fuse box cover). At this point you can use a simple tool like a multimeter or test light to check for continuity as well. It’s faster, easier and much more accurate than removing every single fuse in the box.

Once you have identified the faulty fuse, pull it out with a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers. Make sure the color code and current rating match exactly (more on this in the next section) without sacrificing ‘close enough’. Then push the replacement fuse into place until it is fully seated. Then test the fuse. If the new fuse blows immediately, you have a deeper electrical problem. It may be a good time to take your vehicle to a professional. In anticipation of a bigger problem, you’ve learned another car maintenance skill.

When a fuse blows, the symptoms are often simple. A specific accessory or lighting function no longer works at all. Something like a faulty electrical outlet, an unresponsive radio or a faulty interior light often indicates one open circuit. Other symptoms may include a burning smell or intermittent operation of an electrical component before it goes out completely. If these symptoms occur and you identify the blown fuse, the next step is to determine what type of replacement you need.

Vehicle fuses are not one-size-fits-all. The most common types are blade fuses, divided into several categories: micro, mini, low-profile and maxi. You’ll find these fuses in most cars built in the last few decades. In the engine compartment, you may see larger, high-amperage mega fuses that can handle large loads such as batteries or alternators.

Regardless of the type of fuses, be sure to avoid some dangerous and potentially costly mistakes when replacing fuses. Always turn off the vehicle completely before removing or installing a fuse. As mentioned earlier, you should also disconnect the battery so that no current flows through the room where you are working. When replacing a fuse, installing an incorrect fuse or a fuse with a higher rating can cause damage to the wiring or even a fire. So do not replace your 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse. When installing the replacement fuse, make sure it is seated properly. Forcing a fuse into the socket can cause bent blades or misalignment. As with any good emergency kit, it’s a good idea to keep a spare fuse set in the glove box for emergencies and a good tool like a fuse puller.