Automotive fuses protect everything from your dash cam to headlights to stereo system, it makes sure electrical current overloads don’t result in serious damage.
Fuse blocks are a key element in your car’s electrical system, housing fuses that keep everything running smoothly. Understanding your vehicle’s fuse type is important to avoid an electrical problem when you add a fuse or replace a blown fuse.
Car Fuse Basic Overview
Every vehicle comes equipped with an array of fuses, each designed to perform a safety function, much like the circuit breaker in your home’s electrical system. These little components are designed to protect electrical circuits in your vehicle, from your car’s headlights to the air conditioning and your dash cam.
Using the wrong fuse can, at best, cause the vehicle’s electrical components to malfunction & not work, and at worst, lead to an electrical fire.
Automotive Fuse Types
All automotive fuses protect the car’s electrical system, the main automotive blade fuse types are: Low-Profile Mini, Mini, Micro2, Micro3, Maxi and ATO. Different types come down to size, design, and the amount of electrical current they are designed to handle.
A Mini Blade Fuse & Low-Profile Mini Blade Fuse are smaller versions of the regular ATO/ATC fuses. They are often used in vehicles with space constraints and control less power-consuming components like interior lights.
The Micro 2 & Micro 3 Blade Fuses are the newest entrants in the market. Their small size makes them perfect for compact, modern cars filled with high-tech gadgets.
Interestingly, apart from the blade fuses, we also have Limiter Fuses. These fuses, resembling tiny metal bars, are designed for heavy-duty applications in the vehicle, like the battery or alternator. They have the ability to handle high currents and are built to withstand harsh environments.
Finally, the ATO fuse type, also known as regular fuses, are the most common. They are used for a wide range of applications in vehicles, including those that require higher currents. Typically dash cam hardwiring kits will utilize ATO fuses.
How to Identify your Vehicle’s Fuse Type
1. Turn Off Your Vehicle
Safety needs to be your top priority when performing any work involving electrical components, . Always turn off your vehicle before checking or replacing fuses.
2. Locate the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is your vehicle’s bible. It should contain detailed information about your vehicle’s various fuse box controls and the types of fuses used.
3. Find Your Fuse Box
Most vehicles will have a couple of fuse boxes. The primary one is usually found under the hood, housing the high-voltage engine fuses and relays. The other internal fuse element might be located inside the vehicle, commonly under the dashboard on the driver’s side or sometimes in the glove compartment. This secondary fuse box typically contains the fuses for the vehicle’s interior electronics, like the radio, heating, and cooling system, and car chargers.
4. Keep the Fuse You’ll Remove in Mind
Once you’ve located the fuse box, identify the fuse that you’ll remove. Use your vehicle’s manual or the diagram on the fuse box cover as a guide. Remember the function of this particular fuse well, as you’ll need this information when replacing it.
5. Remove a Fuse With Care
Fuses are delicate, so it’s essential to remove them carefully. A fuse puller tool is often included in your vehicle’s fuse box, but a pair of needle-nose pliers will do the job too.
6. Examine the Fuse Against a Fuse Type Chart
Next, compare the fuse you’ve removed with the fuse type chart. The size, shape, and rating (usually printed on the top of the fuse) will help you identify its type. Jot down the fuse type somewhere handy – perhaps in your owner’s manual. This will make replacing it much easier in the future.
7. Replace the Fuse
Once you’ve identified the fuse type, replace it with a whole new fuse, one of the same type and rating. Make sure to push it in securely.
How to Tell if a Car Fuse is Blown
1. Locate Fuse Box
Make sure your car is turned off before you start poking around the fuse box. Depending on your vehicle, the fuse box may be under the hood, under the dashboard, or even in the trunk. Your owner’s manual should have this information.
2. Identify the Suspect
If a specific function in your car isn’t working (radio, headlights, wipers), look at the fuse diagram in the owner’s manual or fuse box lid to identify the relevant fuse.
3. Remove the Fuse
Use a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the fuse.
4. Inspect the Fuse
A blown fuse will often show visible signs of damage. The metal strip inside the fuse may be broken or burned, or the transparent casing may appear discolored or cloudy.
5. Replace Fuse
If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new electrical circuit of the same type and rating. Make sure it is firmly seated in the slot.
If your battery completely dies after a blown fuse, you’ll want to read about these tricks for a dead car battery to get your vehicle moving as fast as possible.
FAQ
The location of the fuse box varies from vehicle to vehicle. Typically, cars have two main fuse boxes. One is located under the hood in the engine compartment and is responsible for major electrical components like headlights or the anti-lock brake system. The second fuse box is often found inside the car, under the dashboard, and controls interior features like your radio or dome light. If you’re struggling to locate your vehicle’s multiple fuse boxes together, your owner’s manual will contain this information.
There are several types of fuses available for vehicles. Some common types include Maxi blade fuses, heavy-duty blade fuses, Regular ATO/ATC Blade Fuses, Mini Blade Fuses, Low-Profile Mini Blade Fuses, and Micro 2 & Micro 3 Blade Fuses. Additionally, Limiter Fuses are used in heavy-duty applications like the battery or alternator.
ATC (Automotive Terminal Circuit) fuses, also known as regular blade fuses, are the standard size and most common type of blade fuse used in vehicles. On the other hand, Mini fuses are a smaller version of ATC fuses and are often used in compact, space-saving circuits within your vehicle.
ATM and ATC fuses are both types of blade fuses used in vehicles, but they differ in size. ATM refers to “Mini” blade fuses which are smaller in size compared to the ATC (Automotive Terminal Circuit) blade type fuses used. While they serve the same purpose of protecting electrical circuits from overload, the different sizes cater to different space requirements in various vehicle models.
ATM and ATR fuses are both types of mini fuses. The main difference lies in their design. ATM fuses, or mini fuses, have a flat, fast-acting design. ATR fuses, on the other hand, are a more recent development and have a compact, right-angle design that allows for more efficient use of space in the fuse box.
Typically, fuses don’t need to be replaced on a regular schedule like other car components (oil, tires, etc.). Fuses only need to be replaced when they’re blown, which occurs when the circuit they’re protecting experiences an overload.
Not entirely. While certain vehicles may use specific types of fuses (for example, a compact car might use more mini fuses due to space constraints), the function and basic design of fuses are universal. They may differ in terms of amperage rating and physical size, but a fuse is a fuse, no matter the car.
Dash Cams & Car Fuses
As a dash cam enthusiast, understanding the essential components of your vehicle’s electrical system is important. Identifying a blown fuse and replacing it yourself can prevent a costly repair.
If you don’t understand your car’s electrical system your dash cam could be draining your car battery. The last thing you want to do is end up on the side of the road in the pouring rain without a functioning battery as mentioned in our Can Car Batteries Get Wet post. Knowing your way around a car fuse when hardwiring a dash cam can be the difference between a happy road trip and major roadside problem.
It’s a skill every dash cam owner should have in their toolkit. And remember, always refer to your owner’s manual when in doubt or consult with a professional.
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