EFI – Fuse box
PURPOSE
The fuse box is designed to hold fuses and relays and there may be several of these around the vehicle. It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare fuses, just in case.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
When checking the fuses, it’s best to check the fuses with a test light and don’t rely on the fuse index map indicating where the fuses connect as they may be incorrect. What is meant by the map is that sometimes when you pull the fuse cover off you have an index on what the fuses represent eg. wiper blades, wiper motor and you go to check that and it is not the wiper motor fuse. The wiper motor fuse is in another location. The most important thing is replacing the fuse with the same amperage. Also the fuse may look okay but it may not be okay. The only way to check or test a fuse is with a test light with the ignition on and the engine off.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Replacing a fuse is an easy task if it is a low amperage fuse up to 30 amps but if it is a high amperage fuse it may require a 6, 8 or 10 mm ring spanner to remove it and repair it. The most important thing to remember is if the fuse breaks when you replace it, it is showing a definite short in the system. This needs to be attended to ASAP. Putting a higher amperage fuse in will only load up the wiring and may lead to a more expensive repair as the wiring may melt or be damaged.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009