Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit Protection - Fuses: Procedure
The fuse is the most common method of an automotive wiring circuit protection. Whenever there is an excessive amount of current flowing through a circuit the fusible element will melt and create an open or incomplete circuit. Fuses are a one time protection device and must be replaced each time the circuit is overloaded. To determine if a fuse is open, remove the suspected fuse and examine if the element in the fuse is broken (2). If not broken (1), also check for continuity using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) or a continuity tester. If the element is broken or continuity is suspect, replace the fuse with one of equal current rating.
| Current Rating Amperes | Color |
|---|---|
| Auto Fuses, Mini Fuses | |
| 2 | Gray |
| 3 | Violet |
| 5 | Tan |
| 7.5 | Brown |
| 10 | Red |
| 15 | Blue |
| 20 | Yellow |
| 25 | White or Natural |
| 30 | Green |
| Maxi Fuses | |
| 20 | Yellow |
| 30 | Light Green |
| 40 | Orange or Amber |
| 60 | Blue |
| 50 | Red |
| J-Case Fuses | |
| 20 | Blue |
| 30 | Pink |
| 40 | Green |
| 50 | Red |
| 60 | Yellow |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.