FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Circuit Protection - Fuses




Circuit Protection - Fuses

Special Tools

EL-39200 - Digital Multimeter (DMM)

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .





The fuse is the most common method of an automotive wiring circuit protection. Whenever there is an excessive amount of current flowing through a circuit the fusible element will melt and create an open or incomplete circuit. Fuses are a one time protection device and must be replaced each time the circuit is overloaded. To determine if a fuse is open, remove the suspected fuse and examine if the element in the fuse is broken (2). If not broken (1), also check for continuity using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) or a continuity tester. If the element is broken or continuity is suspect, replace the fuse with one of equal current rating.