How to change your car’s fuses
LEGO has recently introduced a new product that combines the construction aspects of older models with the slight sensation of low-watt electrocution. Image courtesy of gunson.co.uk
The fuse box in your car protects all of the electrical components from an excess of current, and in the event of short circuits or power surges, the metal strip in the fuse will melt in order to prevent damage to other components.
Every car owner should know where their fuse box is and how to change fuses. If you haven't already done so, stop by an auto parts store and purchase a complete set of fuses for your vehicle. It should only cost you around $10.
Make sure these fuses are always kept within easy access inside your vehicle; having fuses in your garage won't do you any good if your headlights go out on a winding mountain road. It also may be a good idea to purchase a test light, available for around $5, so you can test the fuses manually if you do not have access to your car's wiring diagrams in the owner's manual.
In most vehicles, the fuse box is located under the left side of the dashboard, near the driver's left knee. It will be a rectangular-shaped cover that opens with a tab. Newer vehicles may have a second fuse box in the engine compartment. The wiring diagram in the manual will tell you which fuse corresponds to a given electrical component, or there may be a diagram inside of the cover. However, if you do not have the manual, you can use a test light to examine each fuse in order to figure out which fuse has blown..
The blown fuse will look a bit like a burned-out light bulb. Most cars should have a fuse remover in the fuse box, so you can either use this or a small screwdriver to remove the fuse fully. Make sure that when you are getting a replacement fuse from your kit, that you get one with the right amperage for the location. The best way to do this is by consulting the owner's manual or the wiring diagram. Don't just look at the amperage on the fuse you're removing, since people do make mistakes when changing fuses, and a fuse with excessive amps can start an electrical fire in your car.
—Seth Berger
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