Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro Talks Electrical Repairs and Fuses

Sometimes what you think could be an automotive electrical problem is nothing more serious than a fuse. Our Columbia, SC Auto Repair Pro helps determine if you are in need of automotive electrical repair or just a simple fuse replacement.

Auto Fuse Basics: Different Types of Fuses

Auto fuses come in three basic types, but almost all vehicles require blade style fuses.  They are easy to work with since they just easily plug in to the fuse box, pretty much like a standard electrical plug. Unless the car is pre-1980, you will probably not be dealing with glass or plastic tube fuse or ceramic fuses. Both are shaped kind of like a torpedo and also simple to install. Determine what type of fuses your vehicle requires and keep a variety of spares in a kit for when they are needed. A perfect place to store them is in the basic auto kit that every driver should carry.

Finding the Fuse Box

Many autos have two fuse boxes. Whether you have one or two auto fuse boxes, one is under your dashboard. It is usually located on the lower left driver’s side of your dash about knee level or lower. The cover should be easily visible. Once it is opened, look at the inside of the cover for a diagram of what each fuse is for. There will be rows of different colors and sizes of fuses. There are usually some spare fuses or empty slots that are left for your spare fuses. There is usually a small, flat, tweezers type tool, or fuse puller. While it is not necessary, a fuse puller can make it a bit easier to get a hold on the fuses. All that is left is to locate the right fuse that needs replacing.

Finding a Second Fuse Box

If the diagram on the under dash fuse box does not display a fuse corresponding to the auto trouble area you are looking for, you probably have a second fuse box. This under hood fuse box is normally easy to find and reach. You will find something that looks pretty much like the other fuse box, but here you might also see larger fuses that do not look the same as the blade fuses. They are vital to the protection of your whole electrical system. It is not recommended that anyone other than a certified mechanic deal with these larger, very important fuses. Just use the diagram located on the fuse box cover to find the blade style fuse you need.

How to Check a Fuse

Once you have located the fuse or fuses you were looking for, it is time to pull and checking them. Have a look at one of your new fuses. Do you see that tiny bridge that is between the two blades? If a fuse is blown, that little bridge is burned up. If the fuse is blown, it will be easy to see. Be sure to check the amperage of the fuse you are removing and ONLY replace with the same amperage fuse.

Quick tip: Auto fuses are color coded by amperage. If you always replace with the same color, you will be in good shape.

What If the Fuses Are Good?

So your fuses looked fine. Now what do you do? Now is when you make the decision between either getting ready for some electrical system troubleshooting and analysis, or you can find a reputable mechanic or auto repair shop to take care of it for you. If you are in the greater Columbia, SC area, come to Sanford’s Automotive Service on Wilson Blvd. Let our ASE Certified Master Mechanic take care of all of you automotive electrical repairs today.