Fuse box: sealing, protection, storage, assembly

Fuse box: role, operation and maintenance

Many people know what a fuse is and how to replace it. But few people still know what it is about the box which centralizes these safety elements on an electrical circuit. These are called fuse boxes. What is his role ? How does it work ? How to recognize that it is faulty and how to replace it? We tell you everything here.

 

What is the role of a fuse box?

As its name suggests, a fuse box is above all a support which ensures the centralization of fuses. It is therefore responsible for protecting the electrical circuit in a vehicle. However, it is not only in vehicles that you can encounter fuses. You can actually find them in a home.

Depending on the number of electrical circuits, the size of a fuse box can also increase. Aside from electrical circuits, the internal part of the fuse box can also accommodate printed circuits.

Furthermore, the device also acts as a support for other electrical components such as the flashing unit or the relay. And finally, a fuse box has also become a central control box.

It is therefore a tool which performs several functions at the same time even if the main one remains the reception of the fuses. However, its roles require taking precautions and paying sufficient attention.

  What are the symptoms of a faulty fuse box?

Generally, fuse boxes are built to last. However, no accessory is truly forever and a fuse box is no exception. It may therefore very well encounter problems which can affect the proper functioning of your vehicle if you do not act in time. You must therefore detect when the part is defective in order to repair it or replace it if necessary. Here are some symptoms that may alert you to a problem with your fuse box:

•          Presence of loose fuses: The presence of loose fuses is a concrete sign which proves that there is indeed a problem with your fuse box. Indeed,some terminals forming part of the panel may be damaged if you notice that one or even several of the fuses come loose easily or even fall. Be aware that this type of problem can cause damage to your electrical system where it is possible that due to the presence of a loose fuse, your electrical accessories or your vehicle's light may lose power. It is therefore important to have your car checked by a mechanic if you face this type of problem.

•         The fuses blow: It is abnormal for the fuses blow especially frequently. You must therefore above all pay attention to noises in the part where the fuse box of your vehicle is located. The cause of your fuses blowing may be a wiring problem or a short circuit. In any case, you must completely remove the fuse box to determine the origin of the problem.

•         Fuses are overheating: A fuse or fuses that Overheating is a very serious symptom for your fuse box. This could be the fuse or the terminals. In any case, overheating is never a good sign and is noticed from the outside to alert you. Overheating can cause an entire flame. And when the interior burns, the casing eventually gets hit and melts or burns as well. This is a very warning symptom that requires immediate replacement or risk damaging your vehicle.

If your fuse box encounters one of these symptoms, you must have it inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage to your car. These are signs in general but if you in any way suspect a problem with your part, have it checked without further delay and have it replaced.

How to replace your vehicle's fuse box?

Repairing a vehicle component always requires being done by the hands of an expert. However, know to save a little money, you can very well do the operation of changing your fuse box by yourself. However, you must meet certain conditions such as having the right tools in your garage, having a well-spaced garage and at least knowing the basics of auto mechanics. All you then have to do is find the location of your fuse box and proceed with the replacement steps, making sure you have the correct replacement box.

 

Location of your vehicle's fuse box

First of all, note that a vehicle generally has two fuse boxes. Both are quite difficult to locate but not impossible. You can start by referring to your logbook or your car's technical manual to locate the supports.

There are also tips that can help you locate your fuse boxes. One of the boxes must fit into the engine compartment. You should already consult in this direction. More precisely at the glove box or near the battery.

The other box is located in the passenger compartment. You can spot it more easily on the driver's side of the pedals.

 

The replacement steps

•          Like any other operation on your vehicle, you must start by ensuring that the engine is cold and that the negative and positive terminals of the battery are disconnected.

 

•          For safety reasons, it is also necessary to cover the ends of the cables in order to Avoid contact with a metal surface. To do this, you can just use a cloth.

 

•          Once everything is ready, you can now locate your fuse box as it is already been indicated above.

 

•          Then remove the cover, taking care not to damage it. On the cover there should be an illustrative diagram of the fuses. If there is none, you can consult your maintenance book which must necessarily have one.

 

•          Now remove the red cable that connects the battery to the case. To be able to easily reconnect the cable with the new fuse box, you can use labels.

 

•         Slowly and gently remove the box once all connections are securely disconnected.

 

•         Before installing your new part, you must ensure that the arrangements of the fuses in the old and the new are very similar. Feel free to change the position of the cases in case they don't match. Make sure they coincide with the connection of the new box.

 

•         Then reconnect the cables to the new fuse box. Use the labels you prepared if necessary.

 

•         Finally, you can attach the fuse box.

 

•         Remember to reconnect the terminals of the battery that you disconnected and start your vehicle.

 

Normally, there is nothing very complex apart from the location of the box and the location of the cables which risk getting confused if you are not careful enough. Everything should therefore work without difficulty. However, if there is the slightest problem, do not hesitate to call a professional to avoid causing major damage to your vehicle.

 

A new fuse box for your vehicle

If you need a new fuse box for your vehicle regardless of its brand, do not hesitate to consult our online automotive spare parts specialty store: AutoTruck.

We offer you a wide range of fuse boxes on our site. Our products are authentic, of very high quality and reliable. You are then invited to consult our site at any time to choose your fuse box at a lower cost.