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Replacing a Blown Automotive Fuse

By , About.com Guide

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Thar She Blows, Darn Fuse!

Buss fuses are available anywhere.

Blade type fuses are the modern standard.

courtesy Buss
If you're driving at night and all of a sudden find yourself navigating by moonlight, the last thing you want is to be stranded in the dark. Luckily you're in the Automotive Empowerment Zone and you know how to fix things when they go awry.

So your headlights are out. Chances are it's not a bulb since you just replaced your headlight bulb last week. Besides, what are the chances of both bulbs going at the same time? It's time to check the fusebox to see if anything blew.

There are actually two types of automotive fuse: glass tube or blade. If your car was made before, say 1980 or so, you probably have the tube style fuses. These are actually available in either the very old glass tube, or the slightly more modern plastic mount. Both of these are shaped like a small torpedo and are easy to install. The other type, and the kind of fuse you most likely have in your car, is the blade style. These plug into your fusebox just like a wall plug. Check to see what type of fuse you have so that you can keep a few spares around. Now that we have some fuses, where do we stick 'em?

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