Here's How To Check And Replace Car Fuses Yourself

Car fuses are protective electrical components designed to safeguard your car's electrical system. Inside each fuse is a narrow metal link designed to melt and function as a circuit breaker when the current exceeds its rated limit. But do you know how to replace the fuse when it blows?

Before you begin any electrical work it's important to turn your car off, and for safety, disconnect the battery. Next, locate the fuse boxes. They're usually under the dashboard and inside the engine bay. After finding the correct fuse box, identify the blown fuse. Look for the correct fuse using the diagram (usually found underneath the cover of fuse box). At this point, you can use a simple tool like a multimeter or a test light to check for continuity too. It's quicker, easier, and far more accurate than pulling out every single fuse in the box. 

Once you've identified the dead fuse, pull it out using a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers. Match the color code and current rating exactly, (more on this in the next section) with no compromises on "close enough." Then push the replacement fuse into place until fully seated. Test the fuse afterwards. If the new fuse blows immediately, you've got a deeper electrical problem. It might be a good time to take your vehicle to a professional. Pending a bigger issue, you've learned another car maintenance skill.

When a fuse blows, the symptoms are often straightforward. A specific accessory or lighting function stops working entirely. Something like a dead power outlet, non-responsive radio, or dead interior lights often point to a single open circuit. Other symptoms can include a burning smell or intermittent performance from an electrical component before it dies out completely. If these symptoms pop up and you identify the busted fuse, the next step is knowing what kind of replacement you need. 

Vehicle fuses aren't one-size-fits-all. The most common types are blade fuses, broken up into distinct categories: micro, mini, low-profile, and maxi. You'll find these fuses in most cars built in the last couple decades. In the engine bay, you may see larger high-amperage mega fuses that handle big loads like batteries or alternators. 

No matter what kind they are, be sure to avoid some dangerous and potentially costly mistakes when replacing fuses. First, always shut the vehicle completely off before removing or installing a fuse. As mentioned earlier, you should also disconnect the battery so there's no current flowing through the area where you're working. When you're replacing a fuse, installing an incorrect or higher-rated fuse can cause wiring damage or even fires — so don't replace your 15 amp fuse with a 20 amp fuse. When installing the replacement fuse, make sure it seats properly. Forcing a fuse into the socket can cause bent blades or crooked alignment. As with any proper emergency kit, it's a good idea to keep a spare fuse kit in the glove box for emergencies and a proper tool like a fuse puller.