Warning: Never substitute a fuse with a higher amp rating as doing so may result in circuit damage or a fire! Also, never remove or install a fuse when a circuit is on.įuse amp ratings are marked on the fuse so you can choose the correct replacement fuse. The replacement fuse can now be pushed or bolted into place to restore power to the circuit. Use the tool to grasp the top of the fuse, then pull outward to remove the fuse. For bolt-in maxi fuses, you will need a nut driver or screw driver depending on how the fuse is attached inside the power center or fuse panel.Ī plastic fuse puller tool makes it easy to extract a blown fuse from a fuse panel. You can use your fingers, a plastic fuse puller tool or small pliers to remove the blown fuse. With spade style standard and mini fuses, the fuse simply pulls out of its socket. IMPORTANT: Make sure the ignition is OFF and the circuit/device that has the blown fuse is OFF before replacing a fuse. If a fuse has failed, the device or circuit that the fuse protects will not work until the fuse is replaced. If the wire inside the fuse is broken, the fuse has failed and must be replaced with one that has the exact same amperage rating as the original. This may require removing the fuse from its holder. Most fuses are the push-in spade type, but some larger capacity fuses may be bolt-in.Ī blown fuse can be identified by visually inspecting the fuse. The number on the fuse is its maximum amp rating. Maxi-fuses are typically used for circuits that carry higher amp loads (40 up to 120 amps). Mini-fuses are typically used for circuits that normally handle no more than 20 to 30 amps. In newer vehicles (1990s and up), blade-style transparent plastic fuses are used (both "mini" and "maxi" sizes). Up until the 1980s, most vehicles used snap-in style fuses with a short piece of wire inside a hollow glass tube. This "blows" the fuse, opens the circuit and stops the flow of electricity to protect the wiring and other devices connected to that circuit. When the current in a fused circuit exceeds the amp rating of the fuse, the heat-sensitive wire or blade inside the fuse melts. A fuse prevents electrical overloads in a circuit that can overheat and melt wiring, possibly causing a fire or damage to the wiring or other electrical or electronic components.Įach fuse has a specific amp (current) rating. This can increase the risk of circuit damage or an electrical fire!įuses are circuit protection devices. NEVER substitute a fuse with a higher amp rating as If you are replacing a blown fuse, replace it with a fuse that has the SAME amp The fuses and relays are often identified inside the power center cover. This is what you'll find inside the power center when you open the lid. If not, you will have to refer to your owners manual or the vehicle service literature to figure out which fuses and relays are associated with which electrical circuits in your vehicle. ![]() The fuses and relays are usually identified on the inside of the power center cover. When you open the cover on the power center, you will see various fuses and relays that protect and control the electrical circuits in your vehicle. If you can't find it, refer to your vehicle owners manual for its location. It is usually a large rectangular plastic box with a removable cover. The power center is located in the engine compartment. But most of the high amperage circuits are routed through the power center rather than a smaller interior fuse panel. Many vehicles may also have one or more separate fuse panels inside the vehicle (usually under the instrument panel or under a side kick panel) that hold fuses for lower amperage electrical accessories and circuits such as radio, power seats, windows, power outlets, horn, interior lights, etc. With most of the relays and fuses grouped together inside one or two plastic boxes, and labeled so you can identify the fuses and relays inside, the Power Center provides a great place to start your electrical diagnosis. And because it is the heart of the entire electrical system, you can use it as a handy access point for checking circuit voltages, resistance and continuity.Ĭompared to the random locations of fuses and relays throughout the electrical system in older vehicles (those built up until the mid- to late-1980s), the Power Center is a welcome improvement. Think of the Power Center as a fuse box on steroids. Not horsepower but routing electrical power through the various circuits and accessories in the vehicle's electrical system. Automotive Power Centers, Fuses and RelaysĪutomotive Repair Library, Auto Parts, Accessories, Tools & Equipment, Manuals & Books, Car BLOG, Links, IndexĪutomotive Power Centers, Fuses & Relays by Larry Carley copyright
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |