How To Tell If A Car Fuse Is Blown?

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Fuses protect any electrical circuits from being overloaded, and if they are not functioning properly can cause some of your car’s systems to shut down. Knowing how to tell if a car fuse is blown is essential for any driver; an easy way to troubleshoot potential problems.

In this post, we’ll explain why fuses blow, how to locate them in your vehicle, and provide tips on how to diagnose whether or not they need replacing. Read on for more information!

What Is The Fuse And What Does It Do?

Fuses serve as a protective mechanism against electrical overloads and are present in most cars today. Typically these fuses are made of metal wire strips, allowing them to burn up easily when we have an electrical overload, cutting off the flow of electricity and sparing us from costly damages. With vehicles having various components that require protection from high voltage occurrences, you’ll often find two fuse boxes on nearly all cars with a fuse rating at 32 volts.

If a car’s fuse blows, then the circuit associated with that particular fuse will not be able to operate; this may cause various parts of your vehicle’s electrical system, such as lights, wipers, radio and other accessories, to stop working. Your car’s powertrain, driver-assist features, and safety features are also affected.

Signs Your Car Has a Blown Fuse

If you suspect that a fuse has blown, there are certain clues you can look for. Some of these signs include:

• Engine suddenly stops running
• Headlights or dashboard lights dim or go out completely
• Strange noises coming from the car’s electrical system
• Car won’t start at all
• Burning smell
• Radio, wipers and other accessories not working
• Fuses visibly melted or burned.

Causes of a Blown Car Fuse

It’s important to understand why fuses blow, and how to identify if the cause is mechanical. When an electrical component draws a stronger current than it is designed to handle due to the device malfunctioning, a short circuit occurs and a fuse blows.

Defective switches and faulty wiring are common problems when it comes to car electrics, but there could be more complex issues at play, such as when a windshield wiper freezes and overloads the motor.

When replacing a blown fuse, it’s important to remember that using an incorrect amperage could also cause further issues. For instance, if someone replaces a 15 amp fuse with a higher 20 or 30 amp one, this can lead to wires melting and much worse problems. On the other hand, swapping out a higher amp fuse with one of lower amperage is unlikely to get the component working again.

How to Tell if a Car Fuse is Blown?

Now that you know the basics, here’s how to tell if a fuse is blown in your vehicle:

1. Locate the Fuse Boxes

If you suspect that a blown fuse is the source of your vehicle’s woes, the first step is to turn off your engine and then locate the main fuse box.

In most cases it will be located in the driver’s side footwell underneath the dashboard. However, there may also be a second fuse box located under the hood, so make sure to consult your owner’s manual for the exact locations of both.

2. Inspect Each Fuse

Once you’ve found the correct fuse boxes, pull them out (ideally with fuse pullers/pliers) and open them up. Begin inspecting each individual fuse; look closely at both ends of the fuse strip to check for any signs of melting, burning, or discoloration.

If you notice any of these signs, then it’s likely that the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.

3.1 Test the fuse with a test light

To be sure, a test light is the perfect tool for quickly and easily determining if a car fuse needs to be replaced or not. All you need to do is connect the clips of your test light to the two ends of a fuse and, if it is still functioning properly, it will light up immediately.

However, if it doesn’t light up on both ends, then unfortunately the fuse has definitely been blown and needs to be replaced as soon as possible because a blown one can mean that there is damage somewhere else in the car too.

3.2 Test the Fuse with a Multimeter

Use a multimeter (a device used to measure electrical current) to test the continuity of the fuse strip. If your car is not equipped with one, they are available at most automotive supply stores.

Once you have connected your multimeter to the fuse strip, turn it on and look for a reading below 0.1 ohms; if there is no reading, then the fuse has definitely blown and needs replacing.

Note: Before you start replacing your car fuse, note that it is important to first remove it from the holder. Be sure to also check that the blown fuse is not connected to any other components in your car, as this can cause a hazardous electrical malfunction.

 

How much does it cost to replace a car blown fuse? 

Replacing a blown fuse is a simple job. It only costs around $1.00 for the part itself and you can save yourself a lot of money by replacing it yourself instead of going to a repair shop.

That being said, if you choose the latter option then expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $200 with the whole process only taking 15-20 minutes. However, waiting times can add up depending on how busy the shop is and where it’s located. If replacing the fuse doesn’t fix the problem, your only other option is to seek help from a mechanic.

 

FAQs about How to Tell if a Car Fuse is Blown?

How can I prevent a car fuse from blowing?

To avoid having to replace your car’s fuses, the best thing to do is to identify any potential electrical problems before they get out of hand. Routinely check all lights, switches, wiring harnesses and connections for signs of wear or damage. If you do find a problem, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.

What happens if I use the wrong amp fuse in my car?

Using an incorrect amperage or type of fuse in your vehicle can cause serious issues like overheating wires and other components as well as melting fuses and potentially damaging other parts of your car’s electrical system. Therefore, it’s always best to use the correct type of fuse, as stated in your owner’s manual.

How often should I change my car fuses?

Generally speaking, experts in the auto industry suggest that you examine or think about changing out your fuses every 10 years. While it is likely for a fuse to last longer than this, other parts on your vehicle can cause them to blow prematurely and necessitate their replacement sooner.

Can You Visually See a Blown Fuse?

Yes, in most cases you can visually see a blown fuse. Signs of a blown fuse often include melted or discolored metal on the ends, blackened or darkened glass (in case of glass fuses), and areas where the wiring has broken off from the foil strip inside.

What Happens When a Fuse Blows Out?

When a fuse blows out, it means that an overload of current has passed through the connection and caused the metal strip inside to heat up, eventually melting or blowing off. This will cause your car’s electrical system to shut down in order to prevent further damage.

Can you start a car with a blown fuse?

No, you cannot start a car with a blown fuse. This is because the electrical system in your vehicle will not be able to power the starter and other necessary components for the engine to run. If you try to do this, you may cause additional damage to your car’s wiring system.

Conclusion:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog post on how to tell if a car fuse is blown. It’s important to remember that there could be other causes for automotive electrical problems, so it’s best to have an understanding of your vehicle and approach every issue on a case-by-case basis.

If you find yourself stuck without a working vehicle due to a mystery problem that appears unconnected to any fuses, contact professional auto mechanics right away. They will be able to conduct further assessments and repair the issue more quickly than if you attempted DIY repairs