How to Replace a Fuse in a Car

Changing a fuse in your car is a lot easier than you might think. If something electrical in your car is not functioning properly, the first place to check is the fuse box. A blown fuse is fairly common and easy to replace. Most likely, everything you need for the task is already incorporated in your car's fuse box. If not, a quick trip to the local car parts store and less than $10 will get you what you need for the job. Doing the job yourself will save you a trip to the mechanic as well as a ton of money on labor costs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement Fuse (if extras aren't already in your car's fuse box)

1. Check your car's owner's manual for a diagram of fuse locations in the vehicle. There will probably be more than one fuse box, with one likely under the hood and another inside the car. "Kick-panels" are a common inside location--down near your feet on the driver side next to the pedals or on the passenger side under the glove box.

2. 

   Open the appropriate fuse box to access the fuses and tool for removing them. This is a fuse box under the hood next to the engine. Attached under the top of the box are a spare 10 amp fuse and the small tool for pulling fuses out.

3. 

   This is a kick-panel fuse box inside the car on the driver's side. More of the smaller-amp fuses are located here than under the hood.

4. 

   Check the diagram typically located on the cover or top to the fuse box. Here you'll find the exact location and amperage for the specific fuse you're looking to check and/or replace.

5. 

   Remove the small pulling tool specifically designed for removing fuses from the fuse box top.

6. 

   Use the pulling tool to grip the fuse you need to check and gently pull it out of the receptacle. If the fuse has blown, there will be an obvious break in the flat wire inside the fuse.

7. 

   Use one of the spare fuses to replace the blown fuse. Simply push the replacement fuse into the receptacle and you're done!

Tips & Warnings

• If there are no spare fuses in the box, head over to the car parts store and purchase a box of them. They are very inexpensive and you can get either a variety pack or a box of fuses with a specific amp number. If you have an older car, it's ideal to have spare fuses on hand (I keep a variety pack in my glove box).
• If the same fuse repeatedly blows, you're probably getting a short in that particular system. Check for water leaks or exposed or rubbing wires in an attempt to find the source. Use electrical tape to cover any exposed surfaces, or replace the wiring entirely.
• It is not necessary to disconnect the battery if you're only removing and replacing a fuse. If, however, you plan on inspecting or working with any wiring, disconnect the car battery before doing so. If in doubt, disconnect the battery!

[lijandra]

on 6/2/2009 Great instructions and great pictures - I might even be able to do this now.

[sonni57]

on 5/19/2009 I've had to replace a fuse in the car and it wasn't as hard as I thought thanks for the tips.