The fuses in your vehicle are probably not something we think much about, however without them well… we would be in the dark, so to speak. Without working fuses, headlights refuse to turn on, dash lights would go dim, power windows would refuse to go up and down, power door locks wouldn’t keep us (or anything else) safe, the radio wouldn’t make a peep, the windshield wipers wouldn’t cooperate in the rain…you get the idea.

These days, new vehilces rely heavily on electrical systems and fuses keep everything up and running just as they’re supposed to do, so when a few is blown, it needs to be replaced immediately.

Your vehicle may have more than one fuse box or fuse panel.  The easiest way to know is to consult the owner’s manual, where you’ll generally find a chart outlining what’s where.  Take a look around the interior of your vehicle and under the hood to note their locations.  Fuse boxes and fuse panels will generally have a diagram on the inside lid, which will also help you to determine what fuse goes where.

To test a fuse, I’m old school and can usually tell right away just by looking at one, whether it’s bad or good.  When you remove the fuse, you’ll usually see no defects, but a blown fuse will have a small burnt or dark area, sometimes just a spot.  An example of this would be small holiday lights; under close inspection, you know they’re no good when you see a small brown area.  It’s much the same with a blown fuse and if you see it, it’s a bad one and needs to be replaced.  You can also purchase a small voltage meter (always good to have in your vehicle) and connect its’ ground wire to a secure area with exposed metal and then touch the probe to the conductor of the fuse.  If the fuse is working, it will show power on both sides and if the fuse isn’t working, you won’t see any charge at all – or perhaps only on one side.  If that’s the case, it’s time to replace.

To replace a fuse, it’s simply out with the old and in with the new; but be certain the new fuse has the correct amp because if not, its possible your vehicle could catch fire in the electrical system.  Purchasing the correct fuses is easy.  They typically come in three sizes, with the smaller fuses being in various colors, so just make certain you buy the correct fuses for the job.  If you’re unsure, take the blown fuse with you to the auto parts store and ask for help.

Remember

• Keep fuses in your vehicle
• Fuses are inexpensive and easy to install
• Replace a blown fuse as soon as possible

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