How to Repair a Blown Fuse in Your Car or Truck

Repairing a blown fuse in your car or truck is not that difficult to do.  Here's how it's done.

Step 1: Turn your vehicle off.

Step 2: Locate the fuse box.
Vehicles' fuse boxes are usually located in the lower part of the dash behind behind a removable panel, they can also be under the hood.  If you cannot find your car or truck's fuse box, its owner's manual will tell you where to find it.

Step 3: Determine which fuse is blown.
Once you have located the fuse box, open it and determine which fuse is blown.  Again the owner's manual will contain a chart that explains what fuses control what electrical systems.  There also should be a description of the fuses on the back of the fuse box cover.  For example, if your radio has stopped working, the diagram should tell you which fuse controls the stereo.

Step 4: Remove the bad fuse.
Most new cars come with a fuse pull out tool, but needle nose pliers also work well.  use the tool to grab the appropriate fuse and slide it out.  Be careful not to damage any of the other fuses, they are usually all very close together.

Step 5: Inspect the old fuse.
After you have pulled the suspect fuse is out, inspect it for a broken link.  If you find one it will confirm that a bad fuse is what caused the problematic electrical component to stop working.

Step 6: Figure out what sort of replacement fuse you need.
Now check the number that is printed on the fuse.  This number represents the amperage that is needed for the new fuse.  Always replace the old fuse with one that has the same amperage rating or you could damage your vehicle.

Step 7: Put in the replacement fuse.
Many cars come with spare fuses in the box.  Find the appropriate one and slide it in where you took the old one out.

Step 8: Test your vehicle.
Lastly, start your vehicle and confirm that the problematic component is working properly again.