Indicators of a Blown Fuse
Other indicators include faulty interior lighting, taillights, and headlights. Beyond experiencing defective equipment, you may notice a burning smell when the fuse blows. Furthermore, if the vehicle senses a blown fuse, it may display a warning message on the dashboard.
Yes, a fuse can go bad without blowing. While the primary function of a fuse is to protect a circuit by blowing when the current exceeds a certain level, there are a few scenarios where a fuse may fail without visibly breaking:
Driving with a blown fuse is generally not safe. A blown fuse can stop important parts of your car from working, like the headlights, brake lights, or power steering, which are essential for safe driving.
Unlike a circuit breaker, a blown fuse can't be switched back on. To fix it, you will need to replace the fuse with one of the same amperage rating (more on this below).
Replacing a blown fuse is a simple task that even beginners can handle. Here's a step-by-step guide: Identify the Fuse Box: Locate your vehicle's fuse box. It is usually found under the dashboard or in the engine compartment.
Fuse replacement cost by mechanic
The average labor cost for a mechanic ranges from $75 to $130 an hour. The advantage of sending the car to a mechanic is that your mechanic can help find the cause of the problem if there is actually something wrong with your circuits. Fuses typically blow for a reason.
Luckily, AutoZone provides you with top-quality fuses, fusible links and circuit breakers at the best price on the market. Fuses and circuit breakers vary depending on your vehicle's year, make and model.
To check fuses and see if there are any easy-to-reach short circuits: Remove a fuse at random and connect your test light to the terminals for the fuse socket (the place where the fuse connects to the electrical system). The test light will light up if an electrical current is detected.
Hold one end of the fuse between your bare fingers and carefully touch the other end to any numeral. If your phone registers a “click” or beep, the fuse is likely in good condition. If there's no click or response, the fuse might be blown. For a more precise check, use a multimeter set to continuity or resistance mode.
In a car, a blown fuse will manifest itself as a minor electrical problem such as the failure of interior lights, radio, indicator, or internal features such as climate control. Sometimes, though, it can be as serious as stopping the car from starting altogether.
Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced. If you cannot see whether the fuse is blown, follow steps 4 and 5.
Oreillys or any auto parts store should be able to help you out.
To avoid any accidents, you can disconnect the battery before you attempt to change the fuse, especially if your car has a push-button start system that may have already primed your car's electrics because the keys are nearby.
If you're changing a fuse yourself, a single fuse can be under a dollar each or more than $5 apiece.
If it pops immediately, you must sort out the issue causing the fuse to blow before moving on. If it is not a required circuit, you can drive the vehicle, but if it is for a necessary item—the fuel pump, ECM, headlights/taillights, cooling fans, etc. —you should not drive until the cause is located and repaired.
Carefully unscrew or remove the fuse according to its design. Avoid using excessive force, as these are delicate components. Replace the blown fuse with one having the exact same amp rating. Using a higher amperage is a major safety hazard, potentially leading to circuit overload and fire risk.
Checking fuses is easy to do and can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your car. If you are unsure of what to look for, take your car to a mechanic! You can also use a multimeter to test the continuity of a fuse. But make sure to remove the multimeter from the fuse box before testing the fuse.
Listen for an audible click as the electromagnetic coil activates and the internal switch closes. Switch your multimeter to continuity mode, listen for the audible beep, and test for continuity between the switch pins. If there's no beep, it means the switch pins are stuck open and your relay is faulty.
Car fuses are single-use and typically should not need replacing unless they have blown. As a result, regular maintenance is not usually required, and, in most cases, a simple visual check will be sufficient to determine that the fuse is still in good working order.
It is possible for automotive fuses to go bad without blowing. They may become corroded due to moisture, but it very rarely happens.