how to change fuse in car

[LeMatthew]

Replacing a car fuse is a straightforward DIY task that involves locating the fuse box, identifying the blown fuse, and swapping it with a new one of the exact same amperage. The key is to work safely and methodically. You'll need a pair of plastic fuse pullers (often found in the fuse box lid) or needle-nose pliers, and a replacement fuse with the correct rating.

First, you need to find your car's fuse boxes. Most vehicles have two: one under the dashboard on the driver's side and another under the hood in the engine bay. Consult your owner's manual for their exact locations and a diagram that maps each fuse to a specific electrical component (e.g., radio, power windows, headlights).

Before touching any fuses, ensure the car is completely turned off. For the under-hood fuse box, it's a good practice to disconnect the negative battery cable for added safety. Open the fuse box lid; the inside often has a fuse layout guide and a spare fuse or two.

A blown fuse is easy to spot. The transparent plastic body will have a broken metal wire inside, or the metal strip will appear melted. You can also use a fuse tester or a multimeter to check for continuity. Use the fuse puller or pliers to gently but firmly extract the blown fuse.

Crucially, you must replace it with a new fuse that has the identical amperage rating, which is printed on top of the fuse (e.g., 10A, 15A, 20A). Using a higher-amp fuse can cause serious electrical damage or even a fire. Push the new fuse firmly into the empty slot. If the new fuse blows immediately, there is a deeper electrical fault that requires professional diagnosis.

| Common Fuse Amperage Ratings and Their Typical Functions | | :--- | :--- | | 5A, 7.5A | Interior lights, dashboard instrumentation, trunk light | | 10A, 15A | Power windows, radio, cigarette lighter socket, turn signals | | 20A, 25A | Heated seats, power sunroof, larger audio amplifiers | | 30A+ (Blade-type) | Major systems like radiator cooling fans, anti-lock brakes (ABS) |

[Long]

Grab your owner's manual first—it's your map. Find the fuse boxes, usually one inside by your knees and one under the hood. The car needs to be off. Look for the fuse that's linked to whatever stopped working. The bad one will have a broken little metal line inside. Pull it out with the plastic tool in the fuse box lid and put in a new one that has the exact same number on it. Don't guess the amperage. If it blows again right away, something else is wrong, and it's time to see a mechanic.

[RyderLynn]

I'm not super handy, but I managed this when my cigarette lighter port died. I was nervous, but it was simple. I found the interior fuse panel using the manual's diagram. I used a tiny flashlight to check each fuse until I saw one with a tiny broken wire. The fuse pullers were right there in the box. I drove to the auto parts store, showed them the old fuse, and bought a pack of matching 15-amp ones. Popped the new one in, and my phone charger worked again. It felt like a small victory.

[SanCayden]

The fastest way is a visual inspection. No tools needed besides the fuse puller.

• Locate: Check your manual for the fuse box location.
• Inspect: Look at each fuse through its clear plastic top. You're looking for a broken metal filament or a black, smoky residue inside. A good fuse has a continuous, solid metal strip.
• Swap: Pull the blown fuse, match its color and number (like "10A") exactly with a new one, and insert it.
• Test: Turn the car's ignition to the "on" position (but don't start the engine) and test the component, like the radio, to see if it works.