How to Replace an Electrical Fuse in a Car

by Contributor

Fuses protect all the electrical devices in your car: In case of a power surge, a fuse will "blow" so that the extra electricity doesn't reach the device. Replacing a fuse is easy, and you'll feel good diagnosing and fixing something yourself.

Step 1

Turn off the car before beginning work.

Step 2

Look under your car's dashboard, just below the driver's left knee.

Step 3

None

Find the fuse box. It's usually a small square or rectangular plastic box. There will be a cover that pops open, with perhaps a tab keeping it closed. It can be opened without any tools. Many cars have a second fuse box inside the engine compartment. If the fuse you're looking to replace isn't in the fuse box inside the car, check for a second fuse box.

Step 4

None

Remove the cover from the fuse box. The cover should contain a chart telling what each fuse controls, or there may be a clear plastic cover over the fuses that gives this information.

Step 5

Find the blown fuse. It will look like the filament in a burned-out lightbulb - the metal strip will be broken and the fuse may look a little blackened.

Step 6

None

Grasp the burned-out fuse on either side with your thumb and forefinger, and pop it out with a small pinching motion. Most cars have a small, plastic "fuse remover" in one of the slots. If it hasn't already been lost, you can use this to remove the fuse, or even a small screwdriver if you can't get it out with your fingers.

Step 7

None

Take the fuse to a hardware or auto parts store. Get an identical replacement.

Step 8

Replace the fuse by seating it in the slot from which you removed the burned-out one and pressing firmly with your thumb. It should snap into place.

Step 9

Start the car and test the feature that had burned out - the headlights, the fan or the interior lights, for example.

Replace the fuse box cover.

Tips

  • Many cars have a few slots for extra fuses - just be sure to use the right amperage (there will be a little number in the fuse indicating amps).
  • There are three types of fuses: cylindrical glass fuses with metal ends; square plastic fuses with two metal prongs; and cylindrical plastic fuses with no covering over the filament. All of the fuses in your car will use one of these three types.
  • Once you know which type your car uses, it's not a bad idea to buy a box of assorted fuses, of various amperages, to keep in the glove box.
  • If you replace the fuse and it keeps blowing, there may be an electrical short somewhere. Make an appointment to see your mechanic.

Things You'll Need

  • Car Manuals
  • Fuses

Warnings

  • Don't replace burned-out fuses with new fuses of different ratings (that is, don't use a 15-amp fuse to replace a 10-amp fuse).
  • On older cars, fuses may crack when removed. Be careful not to cut yourself on old fuses.

Writer Bio

This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below.

×