DIY: How to Test Fuses

Video tutorial on how to test a vehicle's fuses to determine if they are need of a replacement using various methods. This tutorial does include four different methods which are using a test light/lamp, testing voltage with a multimeter, doing a visual inspection, and testing for continuity with a multimeter. Fuse boxes are found on various locations throughout your vehicle depending on your make or model. Some of these locations can consist of under the dashboard, on the side of the dashboard, under the hood, in the trunk, in the glove box, under the seat, etc. You will have to consult with your vehicles owner's manual to determine where it is located. When replacing a fuse, it is mandatory to replace it with the appropriate rated fuse so you do not risk damaging your vehicle's electrical system. This particular tutorial was done on a 2003 Dodge Dakota.

Tools/Supplies Needed:
-test light/lamp
-multimeter

Procedure:
-locate your fuse panel and remove the access cover
-determine what fuse is required to be tested
-some circuits will need to be power up, for example the ignition either needs to be on or on accessories to power up the radio
-find a sufficient ground source if you are too far away from the battery
-if using a test light/lamp, put the ground clamp on a sufficient ground located or negative battery terminal, touch the test probe on the two test points on the fuse
-if the test light/lamp does not light up on either test terminal, the circuit may not be powered up or there is an issue with the circuit
-if the test light/lamp only lights up on one test terminal and not the other, the fuse will need to be replaced
-if the test light/lamp lights up on both test terminals, the fuse is good
-if using a multimeter, set it to the DC voltage on the two place reading
-clamp the ground probe on a sufficient ground source or negative battery terminal
-using the positive probe, test the test terminals on the fuse
-if no voltage is shown, the circuit may not be powered up or there is an issue with the circuit
-if voltage is shown on one test terminal and not the other, the fuse will need to be replaced
-if voltage is shown on both test terminals, the fuse is good
-we can also do a visual inspection on the fuse, depending on the type it may or may not need to be removed
-inspect the fusible link inside the fuse to see if it's broken or there is a burnt spot on the housing
-using a multimeter we can also check for continuity
-set the multimeter to the lowest ohms setting, this can ONLY be done when the fuse is out of the vehicle otherwise you do risk the chance of damaging electronics in your vehicle
-touch the probes together to ensure the multimeter is functioning correctly
-touch each test probe on each terminal on the fuse and ensure there is continuity
-if there is no continuity, the fuse will need to be replaced

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© 4DIYers 2013
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[j-man]

Its sad that many expensive vocational and training schools cant teach as good as this video does, simple but to the point, Thank You!

[jjdino]

Hand down the best beginner video on electrical auto testing. 8y ago tho still a good

[timsawyer]

Fabulous! I learned so much (and some other assumptions of prior knowledge were confirmed).

[ceaserc]

Had to go back to the basics. Thanks for the vid.

[JoeCnNd]

I always wondered what my dads screw driver with the wire was for.

[thiruvilanarakkonammohan]

You rock. Please come out with more videos mate. This video saved me £100. Thats what they quoted for my mercedes when I gave it for servicing in Birmingham city.;)

[Herrhell]

Help. I have 2 fuse that the manual say they are "ground". It's posible to use those fuse to connect the black ground wire of a hardware kit for a dash cam? It's ok to do that?

[nonsolotesla]

hi, i noticed the numbers of some fuses are backwards. another youtuber said in this way these fuses won't work because they're not put properly. is it true? i checked and also in my car some fuses are backwards

[ericaguilar]

Very useful information thank you. God bless you.

[dnkomos]

I have continuity on windsheild wiper washer fuse on the off position. Does that mean I have a short?

[ayyye]

Good afternoon I just checked my fuses and had the key turn all the way(not turned on) and majority of them really didnt turn my fuse light only a handful of them so i was wondering if those are all bad or do i have to turn on the truck

[jasonmorton]

Can you test the mini circuit breaker fuse in the panel? The silver one on the left side.

[Mega]

How do you test fuses while generator is off but some fuses run like the control panel but you wish to do a quick check by not pulling out the fuses or turning the generator on? Obviously voltage test would be pointless because since most fuses won’t be live so you couldn’t do the test unless using ohms/ continuity. I’m just curious the fastest way to check in that instance any suggestions?

[gavin]

Is it absolutely necessary to unplug the battery to just test a fuse

[laragreene]

To use a test light ....does the negative cable on battery need to be disconnected?? I just wanted to do it right and know for sure.

[kennethcole]

My 99 toyota tercel has no 12 v constant voltage, i dont get it. Blown fuses maybe ? 🤔

[grizzfan]

How do you used the test lighter to test the wires for turning signal lights. I am trying to figure out which color is for the turning signal . Thank you

[davideiamunno]

Hi, I try to measure the voltage of all my fuses in the fuse box of my car, but all of them gives me 0V. I thought that my multimeter did not work, but it wasn't. Is there any problem on my car? I need to install a dash cam, so that's why I need to find the correct fuse. I tried also with car switched on.

[garyshaw]

I was confused about the icepick with the light bulb.. how do you "ground it" . what did he plug it in to? he said something about clamping something to the alternator wut

[kuzzilee]

Hi @4DIYers, I have a Nissan Leaf as you know if you put ON the heat in the car it reduces the range, so I decided to buy Roadpro heat 12V 300 Watt Output 25amp, the car has 15amp I think, My Question is if I increase the amp to use with Roadpro from 15amp to 25amp would it blow up anything or damage anything in the car or make any changes and will the car heat stop working if I increase fuses
thank you