How to Troubleshoot a Short in a Car Lighting Circuit

If you are driving and your lights suddenly stop working, a short circuit is the likely cause. The dashboard display and windshield wipers, which are on the same fuse, also may stop working at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement circuit
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Look up the fuse section in your owner's manual. This will tell you which circuit runs the lights and its location. Usually, there are two sets of circuit fuses -- under the hood and under the steering wheel. The fuse for the lights generally is under the steering wheel.

2. Determine which fuse controls the lights and remove it from the circuit breaker box. Depending on its location, you may have to lie on your back (sometimes the fuse box is located directly under the steering wheel and will require you to climb up under it).

3. Remove the fuse. Some cars have a small fuse grabber included in the circuit breaker box. If there isn't one. use needle-nose pliers to pull it out.

4. Inspect the fuse. If the small piece of metal in the middle of the fuse is black or broken, the fuse is damaged and must be replaced.

5. Purchase a replacement fuse of the same wattage and size. You can pick these up in most auto sections of a Target or Walmart.

6. Insert the replacement fuse into the old fuse location and start the car. The lights should work properly.

References

• Car Fuse Questions and Answers