How To Test A Fuse With A Multimeter - Tips From Real Mechanics

Skip to main content

If you want to test a fuse on your car, you can test one with a multimeter. All you will need is a multimeter that can check the ohms, which measures electrical resistance. These steps explain how to test a fuse with a multimeter, which is quick and easy.

How to Check Car Fuses with a Multimeter

How to Check a Fuse with a Multimeter

Shop Quality Auto Parts

Steps for how to use a multimeter to test a fuse

1. Find a Multimeter that Can Check the ohms

   You will need a multimeter that has resistance so you can check the ohms. The ohms will tell you if the fuse is open and blown or if it’s closed and working

2. Set the Multimeter to 20k

   Switch the setting on the multimeter to 20k for the ohms, which measures electrical resistance

3. Plug In the Testing Leads

   Confirm the testing probes are plugged in to measure the ohms

4. Test the Testing Probes

   Press the tips of the testing leads together to test them. The multimeter should read zero, which means there is little to no resistance. With the tips apart, the multimeter should read 1, which means there is 100% resistance

5. Find a Non-Metal Surface

   Find a non-metal surface to avoid a false reading

6. Remove the Fuse

   Remove the fuse from the vehicle so the multimeter doesn’t complete an open electrical circuit and overload

7. Inspect the Fuse

   Visually check the wire inside the fuse. If the wire is broken, the fuse is blown and it needs to be replaced. Below is a picture of a usable fuse on the left and a blown fuse on the right.

8. Test the Fuse with the Testing Leads

   Place a testing probe on each end of the fuse. The multimeter should read close to zero. If it reads 1, the fuse has 100% resistance, is blown and will need to be replaced. Unless the vehicle is over 30 years old, fuses will either be usable or expendable

Replace a Bad Fuse Yourself

Learn how to locate and replace fuses and complete other repairs and diagnosis on different makes and models with 1A Auto’s how-to videos

Related Content

• How to Use an OBD2 Scan Tool (Car Tester)
• How to Tell if a Relay is Bad in a Car, Truck, or SUV
• Why Is My Service Engine Soon Light On?
• The Battery or Alternator?

Shop Parts and Tools

• Diagnostic & Measuring Tools
• Testing Tools
• Electrical Supplies
• Auto Parts

SummaryArticle NameHow to Test a Fuse with a Multimeter - Tips from Real Mechanics - 1A AutoDescriptionThese steps explain how to test a fuse with a multimeter if you want to know if a fuse in your car is blownAuthor 1A Auto Team Publisher Name 1A Auto Publisher Logo

Post navigation

Common 1st Gen Silverado Problems: 1999 to 2007Common Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems: 2001 to 2005

Subscribe By Email

Your Email:

Search The 1A Blog

Search for:

Shop 1AAuto.com

• About 1A Auto
• Auto Part Installation Videos
• Shop By Part
• Shop By Vehicle
• Why 1AAuto.com?

Automotive Knowledge Base

• Air Flow of an Engine – Measuring it
• Alternators – All About Them!
• Car Forum Acronyms
• Chevy Full Size Truck Names
• Control Arms and You!
• Exhaust Manifolds and You!
• Exhaust Manifolds Vs. Headers
• Ford Truck Names
• GVWR – Understanding what it is
• Headlights – The Whole Story
• How to Buy a Used Car
• How to Remove a Lower Ball Joint on an S10 Truck
• Ignition Coils
• MAP & IAT vs. MAF Sensors
• MAP Sensors
• OEM vs Aftermarket Coils
• OEM vs Aftermarket Headlights
• Parking Lights – What they really are!
• Shocks and Struts – What's The Diff?
• Side View Mirrors
• Tail Lights
• Timing Belts & Chains
• Tires – Determining Size, Age, and more!
• Towing Mirrors
• VIN Decoding
• Weatherstripping
• Wheel Bearings and Hubs
• Window Regulators 101

Other Blogs That Rock

• AutoBlog
• Build Threads
• CarGurus
• Hemmings Blog
• Hooniverse
• Jalopnik
• Just a Car Guy
• Silodrome
• Speedhunters