A fuse box is a key piece of safety equipment in your vehicle's electrical system. The fuse box acts as the central hub for managing and protecting the car's electrical circuits from overloading or short circuits. In doing so, it helps protect your vehicle's electrical parts from damage and prevents any potential electrical fires.

Most modern vehicles have at least two fuse boxes. One is usually inside the cabin, often under the dashboard on the driver's side. The other is found under the hood, usually near the battery.

What Fuse Boxes Do

A fuse box helps protect your car's electrical system from damage. It contains fuses that are designed to stop the flow of electricity (or "blow") when there is a problem in the electrical circuit, such as a short circuit or power surge. This keeps the car from overheating and prevents electrical fires and serious damage to sensitive electronics. Without a fuse box that contains all these fuses, even a small electrical problem could result in expensive repairs or dangerous situations.

Different Types of Fuses

Fuses come in many shapes and sizes, and each type is suited to a specific purpose. Here are the most common types you'll find in car fuse boxes:

・Blade (Micro, Mini, Standard, Maxi): Blade fuses feature a plastic body and two metal prongs and are the most common types of fuses in modern vehicles. They come in Micro, Mini, Standard, and Maxi sizes.

・Cartridge (PAL, JCASE, MCASE): Cartridge fuses are high-capacity fuses often used for heavier circuits, like the alternator, starter motor, or the main power supply. They come in subtypes like PAL, used in Japanese vehicles, and JCASE and MCASE varieties.

・High-Current Fuses: These are used in systems that need a lot of power, such as audio amplifiers or electric power steering, and are designed to handle larger surges of electricity.

・Glass Tube Fuses: Found mainly in older vehicles, glass tube fuses feature filaments that break when the fuse is blown. These have been phased out in favor of blade fuses.

・Bosch/Torpedo: Found mostly in older European vehicles, Bosch torpedo fuses are small cylinders with a fuse wire that you can see.

Maintenance

Although fuse boxes don't need frequent service, they benefit from regular checks, particularly those in older vehicles. Dust, moisture, or corrosion can affect their performance, so it's wise to keep the area around the fuse box clean and dry. Inspect the fuses and secure any loose connections, as well as replace any fuses that look corroded or discolored.

How to Identify a Blown Fuse

Power Loss or Flickering Lights

If your headlights start flickering or an electrical part loses power, a blown fuse might be the cause because the electrical flow has been cut.

Smoky Smell Around the Area of the Fuse Boxes

A burnt or smoky smell is a warning sign of an electrical problem. If you smell something like this, stop driving and check the fuse boxes immediately to avoid more serious damage.

Electrical Accessories Not Working

When a fuse blows, it cuts the flow of electricity in a circuit. This can cause your car's electrical parts, like the radio, air conditioning, or charging ports, to stop working completely.

Warning Lights

A blown fuse can cause your car's dashboard warning lights to turn on to warn you that a certain part of the car is not getting power.

How to Choose the Right Fuse Boxes

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are produced by the car company or a trusted supplier. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies.

We suggest you buy an OEM fuse box to get your car back to its original level of performance and safety. Because OEM parts have stricter manufacturing rules, they will likely last longer. Also, putting in an aftermarket part might cancel your car's warranty.

Vehicle Compatibility

Fuse boxes are not all interchangeable. To make sure you're getting the right one, use your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find the correct part. Pay attention to the fuse size and layout; the current rating, since each fuse is rated to handle a specific amount of current; and the number and type of circuits, as some cars have more complex electrical systems that require extra fuses and relays.

Installation Considerations

If you have blown fuses in your fuse box, don't worry. Replacing a fuse is a fairly simple job. Once you have the new fuse or fuses, you can install them yourself.

1. It's important to ensure that your vehicle is switched off. Turn off the ignition and remove the key.

2. Open the fuse box cover and use the diagram (usually printed inside the cover) to locate the problematic fuse(s).

3. With the help of a fuse puller, remove the old fuse.

4. Check the metal strip inside to confirm that the fuse is blown. It's possible that the fuse was not the problem.

5. If the fuse was the culprit, insert the new fuse of the same type and amp rating.

6. Secure all connections and the fuse box before starting up your vehicle again.

A fuse-box replacement, on the other hand, is a more tedious process. We highly recommend that you seek help from a trusted car professional, as it can involve engine parts or wiring and comes with a higher risk of electrical problems.

Where to Buy Quality New & Used Fuse Boxes

Brand-new fuse boxes can be found at various trusted auto parts dealers. For a well-maintained used fuse box at a great price, shop here with BE FORWARD Auto Parts.