The fuses of the car prevent damage in circuits or other electrical components. In extreme cases, they even serve to prevent the vehicle from burning due to an electrical problem.
Its importance is such, that the car user manuals have a diagram with its location and function. In this way we can all open the fuse box and carry out operations that do not require in-depth knowledge of electronics or mechanics.
function of car fuses
The fuses are used to interrupt the flow if it reaches a dangerous amperage. That way prevent damage to some car systems that they would not withstand so much intensity of current.
Inside the car's fuses there is a filament or sheet made of cadmium, tin, or lead that literally it's melting when the intensity of current exceeds the maximum of the fuse. That is why it is said: "the fuse has blown" of this or that device.
these fuses are part of the electrical circuit they protect. For example, the circuit that powers the car lights. If that circuit is operating at a certain amp level, the fuse that protects the system has a slightly higher resistance, But below the amps that would damage the circuit components. The usual thing with the lights is that it is a 10 Amp (10 A) fuse.
where are the car fuses
You can always consult it in the manual of the car, but the most common sites where the fuse boxes are located are:
- car hood. Usually they are in the engine compartment near the battery. Usually in the top right corner.
- On the left side of the dashboard. Which is normally only accessible with the driver's door open.
- under the steering wheel. Either on the left or right side.
- in the glove box. That normally you have to remove the drawer because they are behind.
- In the center console or center tunnel. For which it is necessary to normally remove some trim or hole for objects.
- in the trunk. Although this is rarer than the rest of the locations.
How to check and change car fuses
It is a very simple operation. The only thing you must have are the fuses spare and a small clamp which usually comes with the fuses or in the car itself. The steps are the following:
- Locate the fuse box(es) with the manual or looking in the places that we have indicated.
- turn off the car and wait for everything to disconnect.
- open the fuse box, which is normally closed with tabs or pressure.
- Find the blown fuse using the car manual. You will get a diagram indicating what each fuse is for. It is also common to find it on the fuse box cover. Check if the filament is broken. In which case it will have to be replaced. You can also check if it is blown by touching the two small openings with a test lamp. It should light up when you touch each one.
- Pull out the fuse with the pliers and place a new one. It has to be of the same type and support the same amperage.
Notice: it is a very simple and safe operation, but as always, we recommend insulating gloves.
Why do car fuses blow?
Car fuses blow for two reasons: a short or a overload. Luckily the fuse has protected the system involved so that nothing else is damaged. For example: the cables, the lights, the windshield wipers, the stereo, the starter, etc. We are going to explain what these two causes mean for which a fuse blows:
- Short circuit: is an accidental connection between cables of different polarities. Which is practically the same as joining the battery poles with the clamps (image below). This indicates that there is a fault in the insulation, such as a frayed cable or that water has entered where it should not. If the fuse does not blow, it could cause major damage or even a fire.
- Overload: This means that more current than expected is being consumed. As the circuit is designed for a maximum current, the cables could burn or some equipment could be damaged. The fuse blows to avoid reaching those extremes.
Should I change a blown car fuse?
As we have told you, if the fuse has blown it is due to a short circuit or an overload. Two circumstances that warn that there is an electrical fault in the car. Now this can be:
- a circumstantial fault: Changing the fuse will fix the problem if the fault is gone. For example: you have cleaned the car engine incorrectly and water has entered where it should not. Hopefully when it dries out there's no longer a short so the fuse won't blow and everything will be back to normal.
- A persistent fault: changing the fuse will only serve to blow a new one, because the overload or short circuit will still be there. It may melt right away or take some time, but normally it melts without remedy. For example: bare wires create a short circuit or a stereo with too much power creates an overload.
Types of fuses according to shape
There are different types of fuses. according to its size, shape, amperage. In cars they can be identified by colors and the number that indicates the amperage it can support. In every vehicle we find a fuse box on whose lid we find a diagram that indicates the system that protects each fuse.
Blade Fuses
Conclusion the most common in our cars. As you can see in the image, they have a plastic part that protects the connections and the filament, as well as allowing them to be handled comfortably and safely. As the plastic is transparent, you can check if they are melted by taking them out and looking from the side.
according to its size They are called: mini, normal, maxi or giant. The latter are also often called ANL and can be found on high powered audio equipment added to the vehicle after the factory.
wheel type fuses
These are square and have a transparent tope to be able to see if the filament has been melted without removing them. They are typically used on medium and high amperage circuits.
They are mainly found in Asian cars although their use has spread to more brands. They generally have female-type connectors, but there are also male-type connectors, which are often screwed on. But that is more common in high amperage, rare in normal cars.
link fuse
They are plate-shaped a washer-type part and a narrower part. They are used on large circuits such as cables from the battery to the alternator. It depends on the manufacturer, but the usual thing is that they are categorized by caliber instead of by the amperage they withstand. For example, it will indicate 6 AWG, 8 AWG, 10 AWG…
As in the other types of fuses, it is important fit a fuse of the same type as the one we are replacing. However, if you don't know what gauge to carry, a common rule is to place one with a gauge 4 numbers higher than the circuit cable to which it belongs. For example, if the cable is 8 AWG, it is common practice to fit a 12 AWG fuse. But we do not advise you to touch this type of circuits if you do not have knowledge of electromechanics. Better take it to a reputable shop.
cylinder type
It is not common to find them in cars with everything from the factory, but they are typical of later modifications or installations. For example, sound equipment or systems that require a similar power supply.
usually go placed at the ends of some cables and be cataloged in two ways at the same time: the amperage they support and the minimum caliber of the cable in which they can be put.
Types of Fuses according to amperage and colors
Another categorization that should be known is its division by colors and amperages. In cars, you will find them in many colors and each one has a correspondence with the amperage they support. The blade type used in automotive applications are divided into:
- Grey: 2A
- Pink: 3A
- Orange: 5A
- Brown: 7,5A
- Red: 10A
- Blue: 15A
- Yellow: 20A
- White: 25A
- Green: 30A
- Dark green: 35A
- Purple: 40A
It may be that you find some that have not respected this classification, but it will be the exception. There are so many manufacturers from different parts of the world that you may find a different pattern. However, to avoid any confusion, the amperage is also written on the fuse itself.
Other operations that are done with the fuses
In a car, you can also go to the fuse box if you want. detect abnormal current consumption. That is, the car battery is used up prematurely by a car system that continues to use electricity with everything turned off.
It is very simple although it requires some patience if the problem is not found in the first fuses. It's about going pulling out the fuses one by one while measuring consumption with a multimeter. In the following video you can see how it is done explained step by step:
where to buy car fuses
The price of a fuse is very low for the great protection it provides. You can buy them in some big area like Carrefour o To field. Naturally, also in specialized places such as norauto o feuvert and even sometimes in the Leroy Merlin. Of course also in Information online car fuse via Amazon or specialized pages.
I did not like what they show on the page
That workshop is great, increase the workshops more and it will be page number one...
eat shit
what a shitty explanation…look for someone who steps on them hdp…shit, not even berga that got me out of doubt…old dogs…hahaha
Fuck all motherfuckers who commented 🙂
On the other hand, it seems very important to me.
hahahaha crushes furniture