Replacing a Fuse
*VERY EASY*
If you suspect an electrical malfunction caused by a blown fuse, inspect and replace the fuse by performing the following procedure:
- Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual).
- Use your owner's manual to identify the location of your fuse panel. It is usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. Remove the panel cover.
- Observe the fuse diagram on the inside of the fuse panel cover. Use the
circuit descriptions on the diagram to identify the location (cavity #) of the
blown fuse.
- Gently remove the blown fuse with needle nose pliers or your fingers. If the fuse is of the blade type, pliers will suffice. If the fuse is of the glass tube variety, a fuse puller may be necessary. To use the fuse puller, insert it under the fuse bulb and pry the bulb out of the retaining clips. If a fuse puller is not available, try using one half of a disassembled clothes pin. Exert great care since the glass fuse can break easily.
- Examine the fuse that has been removed from the fuse panel. If the correct one was selected, the metal link inside will be burned and broken. The fuse must be replaced.
- Always replace a blown fuse with an identical fuse of equal amperage rating. The amperage rating is indicated on the top or side of the fuse. Replacement fuses of lower rating will burn out more easily under normal use. Conversely, replacement fuses of higher rating may permit current surges to damage an electrical component or wiring to it. Make sure the new fuse is firmly snapped into place.
- Test the operation of the circuit by activating a previously inoperative electrical component. It should work. If not, there are additional problems that need to be corrected by a professional automotive technician.
- Do not permit dirt to enter the fuse panel. Replace the fuse panel cover after changing a fuse. If the same fuse continuously burns out, the electrical circuit it protects should be examined for a short. Otherwise, replacing the fuse will not solve the problem.
