How to tell if a car's electrical system is broken?
The overflow of current can damage an electrical circuit.A metal wire strip can melt or burn if too strong a current passes through it, thus disrupting the flow of electricity and breaking the circuit to a device.A car's electrical components are protected from high voltage occurrences.Most vehicles have at least one of the two fuse boxes that are rated at 32 volts.
A blown fuse is the most common reason for a component in a vehicle to stop working.This could apply to everyday driver-interfaced devices like a car stereo or interior lighting, but can also include more sophisticated systems powered by electricity.The bad fuse needs to be located when there is a failure.Replacement fuses can be found at almost any store that has an automotive department.
A short circuit can be caused by a blown fuse.This occurs when an electrical component draws a stronger current than it is designed to handle.Any mechanical issue with a motor or an electrical motivated moving part can be a cause of a fuses blowing.A motor can short out if it is stuck under ice.The blown fuse prevents the motor from overworking and burning itself out, which would be a much more costly replacement than the fuse.
In normal failures, such as with lights, power seats, or air-conditioning, checking the fuse is the first step to resolving a problem.The recommendation is for the car owner to investigate the cause of the blown fuse as it might be indicative of a larger issue that could continue to grow worse even after the fuse has been replaced.It's a good idea to consult with a certified mechanic or dealer service department.
If you suspect a blown fuse, turn off the vehicle and look for the main box.Most of the time it is underneath the dashboard in the driver's side footwell.There is a second fuse box under the hood.The exact location of each can be found in your owner's manual.
A diagram showing the position and name of each fuse can be found inside the box.This will help you locate the failed component of the vehicle.Higher-end cars with more electronics may have two to three times the amount of electronics as a typical vehicle.
Once you identify the right fuse, pull it out and inspect it.The wire element within the blown fuse will have melted or burned due to the higher electrical current.You can use a test light or multimeter to identify the dead fuse without having to pull it out.Both tools are easy to use.