Electrical fuses protect vulnerable electrical circuits from shorts and burnt wiring.  There is essentially only one way a fuse can fail and that is, for at least a second there was a short circuit to ground that caused the fuse to blow.  Typically, fuse panels for most vehicles are located under the hood or under the dash.  It’s also generally labeled with specific amperage ratings and the circuit the fuse protects.  If it’s necessary to replace a fuse, it’s extremely crucial that you always use the proper amp fuse.  If you don’t, you could damage your entire electrical system.

To identify fuses, control relays, micro relays and main fusible links:

Most electrical components are supplied and protected though a main electrical junction box.  If an electrical component short circuits, it will blow a fuse in this box in most cases.  The control relay and micro control relay are used as a high amperage switch for devises that require high amounts of amperage for an extended amount of time.  The fuse (or fusible link) supplies voltage to sub electrical systems.

To check fuses and main fusible Links:

There are a couple ways to check fuses.  The first is the way most people probably historically have checked their fuses by removing each fuse and visually inspecting each one.  It’s time consuming but will definitely let you know where your problem is.  The quicker and easier way is to use a fuse tester and is my personal preference.  Lightly touch the tester to the fuse and it will illuminate a light if the fuse is good.  If there is no light then the fuse should be replaced.

You can pick up a very simple fuse tester at your local auto parts store for around $5.  Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the tool.

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