Automotive fuses are designed to protect the electrical circuits of the machine from the flow of excessive current that occurs during a short circuit. In the event that any electrical systems of the car turn out to be de-energized, first of all, it is necessary to check the fuses.
It is necessary
- - multimeter (tester);
- - probe;
Instructions
Step 1
There are several types of fuses used on vehicles. The most widespread are flat plug, or knife. Color coding is used to determine the current rating of the fuse. For example, a 1A fuse is black, a 2A fuse is gray, a 3A fuse is purple, etc.
Step 2
Fuses can be located in several places on a vehicle, usually under the dashboard and under the hood. But there may be more places for their installation, the specific option depends on the brand of the car.
Step 3
There are two main ways to test automotive fuses. The first is to extract and check them visually, which is not very reliable, or with a tester. When checking with a tester, set it to measure the continuity of the circuit, usually for this you need to set the handle of the device to the diode sign. After that, touch the probes of the device to the terminals of the fuse. If it is whole, the arrow will deviate at the dial gauge, the digital reading will tend to zero, signaling almost zero resistance.
Step 4
The second method is much more convenient than the first and does not involve removing the fuses from their slots. You will need a probe to test. Turn on the circuit that does not work - for example, low beam, high beam, side lights, etc. After that, in turn, touch with the probe first one pin of the fuse, then the other. If there is voltage on one terminal and not on the other, the fuse is defective. Alternatively, the leg of a working fuse may oxidize.
Step 5
A defective fuse must be replaced with the same one, that is, rated for the same current. Do not use "bugs", this is a direct way to damage the electrical equipment of the car. Even factory fuses can be of poor quality and do not burn out when short-circuited, but melt. To test, "kill" one fuse by tying wires to its terminals and touching them to the battery terminals. A quality fuse should blow out immediately. If this happens, feel free to use such fuses in your car.
Step 6
Do not forget that a blown fuse protected your car in case of a short circuit, which has its own reason. Check the wiring for damage to the insulation. Look especially carefully where the wires touch the case. When the car is moving, the short circuit can be repeated again, so it is important to understand, find and eliminate its cause.
