Fuse boxes are made to protect electrical circuits in the car from exposure to the elements preventing damage and short circuits. Fuses are made to control and safeguard electrical currents that flow through wires to electrical components. Drivers may experience difficulties with the radio, dome lights, and other electrical components within the vehicle when fuses are blown. While you may suspect your battery or alternator is responsible for a loss in electrical mechanisms, it’s entirely possible a blown fuse is the cause. Any time multiple fuses blow, it’s likely the fuse box is experiencing some sort of difficulty. Car fuse box service may be required when your car experiences troubles with one or more electrical components.
If your vehicle was not equipped with fuses, an overloaded electrical current could cause wiring to overheat, melting the insulation, and could cause a fire. A large current to any electrical mechanism will cause instant failure. Fuses stabilize currents, allowing the mechanism to function seamlessly. On occasion though, the current may be too much for even the fuse causing it to blow. A fuse may have blown in your vehicle if you are struggling to start your vehicle, are no longer able to operate your headlights, windshield wipers, interior lights, radio, or other electrical components.
The Fuse Box
Locations of fuse boxes in vehicles may vary. The vehicle owner’s manual will provide details on where the fuse box is located in a car. Many vehicles possess two fuse boxes which are often located in the engine compartment as well as the inside the vehicle beneath or within the dashboard. Each box has a different purpose. The engine compartment fuse box is made to protect certain engine components including the anti-lock brake pump, engine control unit, and cooling system while the interior fuse box is used to protect cabin area electrical elements. Fuse boxes contain several fuses for many different functions and relays in one space, for convenience and protection from damages due to weather or collisions.
Fuses within the fuse box come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. They’re used to stabilize the electrical current flowing through wires, protecting electronics from damage due to an overload of electricity. Most fuses in today’s vehicles are either a rectangular or cylinder shape. Rectangular fuses come with two push in-connectors that are linked by the fuse wiring protected by a plastic cover, which will blow when overloaded. Cylinder fuses have a similar look to a fluorescent light bulb. Either end has a protective housing with glass between the two. Between the metal ends is a thin fuse wire, protected by the glass, which burns through and blows when overloaded.
Causes of Blown Fuses
While difficulty of just one electrical item is likely caused by a blown fuse, multiple electrical problems could be the result of a poor wiring harness or within the vehicle’s internal computer. Seeking the expertise of a trained professional should be your next step. For example, when the fuse box is clicking, and the car won’t start, a relay is often to blame because by some sort of failure from the vehicle’s computer, struggles within the ground wire on the control side of the relay, or difficulty with the power supply to the control area of the relay. Determining the cause is difficult and will require the use of a technician’s scan tool.
Electrical problems in vehicles that aren’t caused by the alternator or battery, are likely the result of a fuse that has overheated and melted, disrupting the flow of electricity. In some cases, a blown fuse may just be the symptom of a bigger problem, many times fuses blow from age and usage, or drivers and passengers have overloaded the vehicle’s accessories. Additionally, fuses blow from using the incorrect amperage than what is recommended or is of poor quality. Avoid replacing a 10-amp fuse with a 30-amp fuse. The 10-amp is designed to blow at a lesser current rate, when a 30-amp permits a higher current to pass through. A higher current passing through an area designed only for lower currents may result in damage to the component.
Fuses are the protectors of your vehicle’s electrical mechanisms. Relays within the fuse box help protect passengers from the high voltage produced by the battery and alternator. The fuse box is designed to house the fuses and relays to prevent damage from weather conditions, water, and other driving situations. Car fuse boxes may fail because of overheating for several reasons, particularly, added electrical accessories or components that produce overloaded currents.
FAQs
In some cases, a blown fuse may just be the symptom of a bigger problem, many times fuses blow from age and usage, or drivers and passengers have overloaded the vehicle's accessories. Additionally, fuses blow from using the incorrect amperage than what is recommended or is of poor quality.
Why does my car keep blowing fuses? ›
One thing that can cause a short circuit is frayed electrical wiring or wire insulation. Over the years, the electrical wiring and insulation deal with a ton of engine heat. Eventually, this insulation might fray and expose the wiring to your automobile's metal framing or engine parts. This will blow the related fuse.
Can a fuse cause electrical problems? ›
Fuses are a safeguard that prevents a circuit from carrying more current than it should, protecting the wiring and the components on it. Fuses can burn out, and when that happens, the system that it protects won't work. Sometimes it indicates a larger issue, but the fuse will need to be changed to diagnose it properly.
Can you drive car with blown fuse? ›
If it pops immediately, you must sort out the issue causing the fuse to blow before moving on. If it is not a required circuit, you can drive the vehicle, but if it is for a necessary item—the fuel pump, ECM, headlights/taillights, cooling fans, etc. —you should not drive until the cause is located and repaired.
Which condition usually causes a blown fuse? ›
An overloaded circuit
The most common reason for a blown electrical fuse is an overwhelmed circuit. A fuse can blow when a high-wattage appliance or too many appliances are plugged in and run on a single circuit, drawing more power than the circuit's capacity.
How to find an electrical short in a car? ›
Another option is to use a multimeter. A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit, making it an invaluable tool for locating shorts. By checking the readings on a multimeter, you can determine the area of your car where the short is occurring.
What should you do if a circuit keeps blowing fuses? ›
Unplug all of the appliances and devices in the affected area. If your circuit trips after plugging in a certain appliance, there may be a short in its wiring. Steer clear from that specific appliance until it has been repaired or replaced, as short circuits can lead to electrical shock.
What is the most common cause of electrical problems in cars? ›
One of the top electrical car issues is a bad alternator. Your car alternator is what charges your battery and powers your electrical system when the engine is running.
How much does it cost to diagnose an electrical problem in a car? ›
The average cost for an Electrical System Diagnosis is between $88 and $111. Labor costs are estimated between $88 and $111.
How much does it cost to replace car fuse? ›
Most common fuses are only $10 to $20, although some specialty fuses are more than $100 to replace, in addition to diagnostic costs. Anytime a fuse fails, its circuit should be diagnosed to track down the reason for the fault.
A blown car fuse will usually be caused by too much electrical current flowing through a circuit. This will interfere with many different functions of your vehicle. For example, many of your interior and exterior lights will no longer function properly. The radio and other devices you use will also no longer work.
Can a blown fuse cause a car not to start? ›
Blown fuse – Sometimes the simplest explanation is the best one. A blown fuse in the starter circuit could be the cause of a no-start problem. Broken or corroded wiring – Damaged or dirty wires to the battery or to the starter solenoid (or wires that are loose) can prevent sufficient power from reaching the starter.
What to do if a car fuse keeps blowing? ›
if you've replaced your fuse, have double checked the amperage and circuit, and your fuse blows again or your electrical components don't work, it may be because your vehicle is short circuiting. There are a 2 common factors that cause short circuits: Malfunction. Your windshield wipers, power windows, etc.
What is the most common problem associated with fuses? ›
The two most common symptoms are: An overloaded circuit which will blow the fuses in question. As a result, this will cause any associated devices to disconnect. Lastly, the smell of burning is another clear indication of a faulty fuse, as well as the smell you will notice burn marks on the fuse box.
What is the most common cause of a blown motor fuse? ›
Defective switches and faulty wiring are common causes for fuses blowing, but any kind of mechanical issue with a motor or an electrically motivated moving part can be a culprit. For instance, a windshield wiper stuck under ice can force the motor to short out.
What is the reason for frequent blowing of fuse? ›
Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause of a blown fuse we see as experienced Electricians in Sheffield is when something draws too much power from the circuit. This is most often caused by either too many lights or from using too many plug-in appliances at once.
How do you find out what causes a blown fuse in a car? ›
To be sure, you can use a voltage tester called a multimeter. You can find these nifty tools on Amazon. A blown car fuse will usually be caused by too much electrical current flowing through a circuit. This will interfere with many different functions of your vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix a fuse that keeps blowing? ›
If you simply blew a fuse, you likely don't need to replace the whole box; all you need to replace is the fuse itself. Individual fuses typically range from $3 to $10 per fuse. If you have a circuit breaker that needs a switch replacement, you can expect to pay around $5 to $15 per switch.
How to fix fuse blowing? ›
A blown fuse may be discolored, cloudy, or have a melted or broken metal piece inside. With the main power still off, unscrew the blown fuse and remove it. It's important to replace the fuse with another of the same size, type, rating, and amperage.
Fuse boxes are made to protect electrical circuits in the car from exposure to the elements preventing damage and short circuits. Fuses are made to control and safeguard electrical currents that flow through wires to electrical components. Drivers may experience difficulties with the radio, dome lights, and other electrical components within the vehicle when fuses are blown. While you may suspect your battery or alternator is responsible for a loss in electrical mechanisms, it’s entirely possible a blown fuse is the cause. Any time multiple fuses blow, it’s likely the fuse box is experiencing some sort of difficulty. Car fuse box service may be required when your car experiences troubles with one or more electrical components.