How to replace an auto fuse

Cars and trucks use fuses for many different components. Every now and then, one of the fuses will blow. You can take your car to a mechanic if you want, but it will be much cheaper to replace the fuse yourself.

The procedure for replacing a fuse varies by vehicle, but the same general process applies. The first thing you'll have to do is get a replacement fuse. Open your vehicle's fuse box (typically either underneath the steering wheel or under the hood -- your owner's manual can tell you exactly where) and locate the blown fuse. All fuse boxes should include a diagram that tells you which fuse controls which components, so you can tell where the blown fuse is. If you have a continuity tester or a multimeter with a continuity check setting, you can test the fuse to verify that it has been blown, in case it's not obvious by looking at it.

Once you've found the bad fuse, get a replacement fuse of exactly the same size and rating. Most auto shops or hardware stores sell fuses, typically in variety packs for a couple of dollars.  Check your fuse box first -- you might have some spare fuses in there.

When removing the old fuse, you can use your fingers or a pair of tweezers, or you can get a specially-made fuse puller (which is just a fancy pair of tweezers). Your fuse box may have a fuse puller stored in it for you to use.  You can also use a pair of needle-nose pliers, but if you do, be careful not to squeeze too hard and crack the fuse.

Make sure the car is turned off when removing or installing a fuse. Put the new fuse in gently, facing the same direction as the old fuse. Once it has snapped into place, close the fuse box and turn the car on. Test the component that the fuse controls and verify that it works. If it doesn't, the fuse may not be pushed in all the way, or the new fuse may be bad.

(Originally posted on FixYa.com, March 2011)