You’re driving down the 101 listening to your radio, lightly tapping your fingers to the beat, when suddenly your radio just quits. You push the ‘on’ button with no response. Perhaps you also notice that the dome light no longer turns on when you open doors. Before panicking and assuming your battery is losing its charge, or your vehicle’s electrical system has malfunctioned, check your fuses. Fuses are used to limit the electrical current flowing through wires to protect certain components. In your car, the fuse box is used to protect the electronics within your vehicle. Car fuse box repair may be necessary when your car temporarily loses functionality of certain electrical components as a result of blown fuses.
What is a Fuse?
Fuses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are used to even out and reduce the electrical current that flows through wires to prevent damaging electronics from too much electricity. Often, fuses come in a rectangular or tube-like shape. A rectangular fuse is composed of two push in-connectors linked by a fuse wire in a protective covering, typically made of plastic, which will burn through or blow, as it is often referred to, when overloaded. Tube fuses have a similar likeness to a fluorescent light bulb, on a much smaller scale, where the tube portion is long and at either end is a protective housing made of glass between them. Running between the metal ends and protected by the glass, is a thin fuse wire which burns through and will blow when overloaded.
Without fuses, a large, overloaded electrical current could cause the wires to overheat, melt the insulation, and could result in fire. A high current to any component equals instant failure, therefore, the fuse ensures that current stays at a reasonable level for the component to continue to function. Still, if the current is too high, the fuse will blow. Drivers will notice trouble with fuses when the vehicle’s windshield wipers, headlights, interior lights, seat warmers, or radio do not function. In some cases, the vehicle may also have difficulty starting.
What is a Fuse Box?
Most vehicles are equipped with two fuse boxes. One is located in the engine compartment and is used to protect engine components such as the cooling system, anti-lock brake pump, and the engine control unit. The other is often found in the cabin area in or under the dashboard, on the driver’s side to protect interior electrical items. The fuse box houses a variety of fuses and relays in one convenient place, protected from outside elements. Car fuse box replacement isn’t often necessary unless the vehicle has experienced severe physical damage or electrical problems.
Replacing Fuses
Refer to your owner’s manual to locate your vehicle’s fuse box(es). Not only will your manual clue you in to where the fuse box is located, a diagram will also indicate the designated fuse for each component. This diagram is quite useful in determining which fuse has blown. It is highly recommended that when replacing fuses, you use only Original Equipment Manufacture and equal amps. Do not replace a 10-amp fuse with a 30-amp fuse. The 10-amp is designed to blow at a lower current rate, whereas a 30-amp would allow for a higher current to pass through. Using a higher current to pass through than what is recommended, could be detrimental to the component.
Though most fuse boxes will last the lifetime of the vehicle, there is a possibility that it may require replacement if the terminals, where fuses are plugged into, become overheated and cause the plastic to melt.
Fuses are essentially the guardians of your vehicle’s electrical components. Relays within the fuse panel help to protect the driver by keeping the high voltage supply away from drive switches. The fuse box houses the fuses and relays to prevent damage from water, weather, and other driving conditions. Vehicle fuse boxes often fail because of overheating for several reasons including added aftermarket electrical accessories or components or incorrectly sized connections and wires by the manufacturer, which typically results in a vehicle recalls.
Any time you are working with your vehicle’s electrical system, use extreme caution. Mishandling the fuse box or fuses could cause irreversible damage to the vehicle or harm to yourself.
FAQs
Fuses are used to limit the electrical current flowing through wires to protect certain components. In your car, the fuse box is used to protect the electronics within your vehicle.
How do you know if your auto fuse is blown? ›
Still gripping it with the puller, hold the fuse up to the light (or a light source) and look through the translucent bodywork. You should see a thin metal wire in there. If the wire is no longer a continuous thread and appears broken or in two pieces, the fuse has indeed 'blown'.
What are two types of fuses used in a car's electrical system? ›
Mini Blade Fuses & Low-Profile Mini Blade Fuses
Mini blade fuses are currently the most common fuse used in modern vehicles. There is also the low profile Mini Blade fuse which utilises the same pin spacing as the Mini Blade fuse, but has a smaller plastic body.
What does the main fuse control in a car? ›
The fuse under the hood protects important engine components and accessories like battery, ECU and cooling fan. The internal fuse box protects the interior cabin components, including lights, radio and powered controls.
Can a vehicle fuse box go bad? ›
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.
Can a blown fuse make a car not 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.
Can I drive with a 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.
What happens if you use the wrong fuse in a car? ›
Another thing that will cause your auto fuses to blow is if you insert the wrong fuses into your automobile's fuse box. Any fuse that has a higher amperage than what the circuit allows for will blow the fuse out. This, too, is a safety mechanism to prevent an electrical fire.
How long do car fuses last? ›
Car fuses are single-use and typically should not need replacing unless they have blown. As a result, regular maintenance is not usually required, and, in most cases, a simple visual check will be sufficient to determine that the fuse is still in good working order.
Are auto fuses universal? ›
Fuse boxes and fuse types vary not only from car to car, but also from year and model. Therefore, it's important to know which fuse type your car uses to ensure that your dash cam installation kit can plug in to your fuse box.
The car's electrical system all runs through the fuse boxes. You can replace a blown fuse but if the blown fuse is bad enough, some of the wiring might be damaged. This can prevent cars from starting. You can find the map to your vehicle's fuse box in the owners manual.
What fuse would stop a car from starting? ›
One possible reason why your car won't start no crank is that the fuse for the ignition switch is blown. You can check the fuse by locating it in the fuse box and inspecting it for any damage or breakage. If the fuse is faulty, you will need to replace it with a new one.
How much does a main fuse for a car cost? ›
If you're changing a fuse yourself, a single fuse can be under a dollar each or more than $5 apiece.
How to tell if an auto fuse is bad? ›
One of the best ways to determine if a car fuse has blown is by using a test light. It should illuminate both ends of the fuse, and, if it doesn't, it needs to be replaced. Sometimes, a blown fuse is caused by a damaged wire, motor, or other part.
How much does it cost to replace a fuse box in a car? ›
Fuse Box Replacement Labor Cost
it usually takes 4 to 8 hours to replace a fuse box, so average total labor costs usually fall between $320 and $960. Book services and compare quotes from highly rated pros near you.
Why is my car fuse burnt but not blown? ›
Can A Fuse Go Bad Without Blowing? It is possible for automotive fuses to go bad without blowing. They may become corroded due to moisture, but it very rarely happens.
How do I know when to replace my car fuse? ›
Common signs that a fuse in your car is blown are electrical functions not working, including interior or exterior lighting systems, power outlets, power windows, power door locks, or the radio.
What happens if an AC fuse is blown in a car? ›
When your car's A/C fuse blows, the system cannot work properly. The result is a broken A/C system that can't help you escape the heat. When this happens, it's important to take your vehicle to a car A/C fuse mechanic quickly.
Does AutoZone help with fuses? ›
Have a blown fuse? We can help. AutoZone carries a fantastic selection of car fuses and electrical repair components to get you back on your way fast.
