7 Ways To Test A Car Fuse With And Without A Multimeter

• Matija Pinko

Updated on July 28, 2022

When it comes to car repairs, one of the most important things you can do is test the fuses. If a fuse is blown, it can prevent your car from starting or from running properly.

Using a and changing it to a voltage meter is the simplest approach to testing a car fuse. If the multimeter shows 12V, your fuse is in good working order. You may also check the resistance of a fuse or simply look at it visually to see if any metal strip is still there.

In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways to test a car fuse without using a multimeter. We will also provide instructions on how to use a multimeter to test fuses if you have one available.

What’s a Car Fuse?

A car fuse is a small, replaceable metal device that sits in the electrical system of your vehicle and protects it from overloads by “blowing” or disconnecting circuits when too much current is flowing through them.

Fuses are essential to the safety of your car, and if one blows, it’s important to know how to replace it as soon as possible.

While most fuses are relatively easy to find and replace, some are hidden away in hard-to-reach places. And if you don’t have a spare fuse on hand, you’ll need to know how to identify the right size and type of fuse for your car before heading to the store.

We’ll show you how to find and replace a car fuse, as well as how to identify the type and size of fuse you need. We’ll also give you a few tips on what to do if your car doesn’t have a spare fuse or if you can’t find the fuse box.

What Does a Car Fuse Do?

As we mentioned, fuses are designed to protect your vehicle’s electrical system from overloads. They work by interrupting the flow of electricity when too much current is running through a particular circuit.

Think of it like this: imagine that your car’s electrical system is a water hose. The water flowing through the hose represents the electrical current running through the circuits. When the hose is functioning normally, the water flows freely and easily through it.

But if you temporarily increase the pressure on the hose, such as by turning up your car’s windshield wipers or headlights, this extra pressure can cause a clog or blockage in the flow of water. This will either partially or completely stop the water flow.

In much the same way, a car fuse functions as an extra line of defense against electrical overloads.

When too much current is flowing through a particular circuit, the fuse blows (or “opens”), which disconnects that circuit and prevents any more electricity from flowing through it until you replace the blown fuse with a new one that has an appropriate rating for that particular circuit.

What Are Symptoms of a Blown Car Fuse?

Car fuses are designed to blow when there is an overload of current flowing through them. This is usually caused by a short circuit or a faulty electrical component in the car.

The most common symptoms of a blown car fuse are the electrical components in the car not working, the car not starting, or the headlights dimming. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check the fuses in your car as soon as possible.

Another common symptom is difficulty starting the car or having the engine turn over more slowly than usual. In some cases, you might also notice that your car’s headlights appear dimmer than normal, or flicker on and off periodically.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check your car’s fuses as soon as possible. To do this, start by locating the fuse box in your vehicle and identifying which fuse has blown.

You can usually find this information in the car’s owner’s manual, or by looking for markings on the fuse itself.

Finding and Replacing a Car Fuse

The first step in replacing a blown car fuse is to find the fuse box. This can usually be done by looking in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which should have an illustration or diagram that shows you exactly where the fuse box is located.

If you can’t find your owner’s manual, check under your car’s hood – the fuse box may be located there instead.

Once you’ve found the fuse box, it should contain a list of all of the different types and sizes of fuses used in your vehicle. These are usually grouped together according to their current rating (measured in amps).

The list will also include information about which particular electrical components each type of fuse protects, such as headlights, windshield wipers, or the stereo system.

To replace a blown fuse, simply remove the old fuse from its socket and insert a new one of the same size, type, and rating. It’s important to use a fuse with the correct rating for the circuit it’s protecting.

If you use a fuse with too high of a rating, it won’t provide adequate protection against electrical surges, and if you use a fuse with too low of a rating, it will blow more easily.

If your car doesn’t have a spare fuse or you can’t find the appropriate size or type of fuse at the store, you can usually improvise by using a strip of metal known as a “fuse bypass” or “fuse tap.” This isn’t advised as it can damage your car, or even cause a fire.

7 Ways to Test a Car Fuse With & Without a Multimeter

If you want to know how to test a car fuse, then you’ve come to the right place. Fuses are crucial components within your car that protect your vehicle’s electrical system from overloading. Without fuses, your car could be at risk of electrical fires and other serious damage.

That’s why it’s important to know how to test a car fuse and replace it if necessary. Keep reading to learn seven different ways that you can test a car fuse.

First, you will need to locate the fuse box. This is usually located under the hood of the car, near the battery, but it can also be located in the trunk or near the dashboard.

Once you have found the fuse box, open it and identify the fuse that you want to test.

1. Visual Inspection

One of the simplest ways to test a car fuse is with a visual inspection. Start by looking at the fuse itself and checking for any visible signs of damage, such as burns or cracks. If the fuse has a metal strip running through it, this means that it is good.

If the fuse looks damaged or has no metal strip, then it is likely that the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

2. Digital Multimeter Test

Another way to test a car fuse is with a digital multimeter. Start by turning off the vehicle’s ignition and removing the fuse from its slot in the engine bay.

Connect one pin of your multimeter to each end of the metal strip, making sure that you do not short out any other electrical components on your car. If you have connected everything properly, then your multimeter should show a reading of 0–5 ohms, indicating that the car fuse is good.

3. Voltage Test

If you don’t have access to a multimeter, then you can also test a car fuse with a voltage test. Start by turning on the vehicle’s ignition and setting your voltmeter to the 20-volt scale.

Next, touch one probe of the voltmeter to each end of the metal strip inside the fuse. If the fuse is good, then you should see a reading of 12 volts on the voltmeter.

4. Circuit Tester

Another way to test a car fuse is with a circuit tester. Start by removing the fuse from its slot in the engine bay and touching one end of the circuit tester to each end of the metal strip inside the fuse.

If the fuse is good, then you should see a reading of 0 ohms on the circuit tester.

5. Continuity Test

You can also test a car fuse with a continuity test. Start by removing the fuse from its slot in the engine bay and touching one lead of your continuity tester to each end of the metal strip inside the fuse.

If the fuse is good, then you should see a reading of 0 ohms on the continuity tester.

6. Current test

Another way to test a car fuse is with a current test. To do this, you will need to remove the fuse from its slot in the engine bay and connect one lead of your ammeter to each end of the metal strip inside the fuse.

If the fuse is good, then you should see a reading of 0 amps on the ammeter. If the fuse is blown, then you will see a reading of infinity on the ammeter.

7. Replacement Fuse Test

If you suspect that a particular fuse is blown, then you can test it by replacing it with a new one. Start by removing the suspected fuse from its slot in the engine bay and replacing it with a new one of the same amperage.

Next, turn on the vehicle’s ignition and check to see if the fuse blows again. If it does, then you will need to replace it with a higher-rated fuse.

Testing a car fuse is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can do. By using one of the seven methods described above, you can easily test a car fuse and determine if it needs to be replaced.

FAQs

How Long Does a Car Fuse Last?

Car fuses are designed to last for a long time, but they will eventually blow. The lifespan of a car fuse depends on the amperage and the type of fuse. Low-amp fuses can last for years, while high-amp fuses will only last for a few months.

If you frequently blow fuses, then you may need to upgrade to a higher-rated fuse.

When Should I Replace My Car Fuse?

You should replace your car fuse when it blows. Be sure to choose a replacement fuse of the same amperage so that it doesn’t blow again. You may also want to upgrade to a higher-rated fuse if you frequently blow fuses.

What Causes Car Fuses to Blow?

Car fuses can blow for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that the fuse is overloaded and can’t handle the amount of current flowing through it. Other causes include faulty wiring, loose connections, and bad grounds.

How Can I Prevent My Car Fuse From Blowing?

The best way to prevent your car fuse from blowing is to make sure that it is not overloaded. If you frequently blow fuses, then you may need to upgrade to a higher-rated fuse. You should also check your wiring regularly for any faults or loose connections.

How Much Does a Car Fuse Cost?

Car fuses are relatively inexpensive, and they can be found at most auto parts stores. A typical fuse set will cost between $5 and $15.

What Is the Difference Between a Slow Blow Fuse and a Fast Blow Fuse?

A slow blow fuse is designed to withstand momentary surges in current without blowing. A fast blow fuse is designed to blow as soon as it exceeds its rated amperage.

Conclusion

When a car fuse blows, it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can test a car fuse to see if it is blown. By using one of the seven methods described in this article, you can easily test a car fuse and determine if it needs to be replaced.

The easiest way to test a car fuse is by using a and switching it to a voltage meter. If it reads 12V, then your fuse is working properly. You can also test the resistance of a fuse, or simply inspect it visually to see if the metal strip is still inside.

If your fuse is blown, then you’ll need to replace it with a new one. Be sure to choose a fuse of the same amperage so that it doesn’t blow again. With a little bit of effort, you can easily test and replace a car fuse on your own.

Here are other related topics worth the read:

10 Best Automotive Multimeters in 2022

Reasons A Fuel Pump Fuse Keeps Blowing

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Body Control Module?