You Can Change A Fuse In Your Vehicle On Your Own

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When one of the lights in the dashboard of your vehicle stops lighting up, there's a good chance that you're dealing with a dead fuse, rather than a dead light. While your first inclination might be to schedule a repair appointment at your local automotive service center, you shouldn't feel intimidated about tackling the job of replacing the fuse on your own. If you get overwhelmed or your end result doesn't give you the desired effect, you can feel free to turn to the experts. In the meantime, though, you can feel a deep sense of satisfaction by getting the job properly done on your own. Here's how to move forward.

Check Your Manual

The first time you need to access your vehicle's fuse box, your owner's manual will be a trusted ally — especially if you didn't even know that the vehicle had a fuse box. The manual will indicate where this box is located, which can vary from car to car. In many cases, it's behind a small door on the side or underside of your dashboard. The owner's manual also provides you with an image that depicts the layout of the fuses in the box. By consulting this chart, you'll be able to detect which fuse is associated with your dashboard lights.

Remove The Fuse

After you pry off the door that hides the fuse box, you need to carefully look at the fuses and remove the right one. Typically, you can do so with a pair of pliers, although it's possible to use your hands if your fingers are tiny. In many cases, you'll need to use a flashlight to illuminate the fuse box, given that it can often be in a shadowy location. Once you've removed the fuse, don't discard it. Instead, take it to your local auto parts retailer — ideally, during the daytime so that you don't have to worry about the dashboard lights not lighting up. You can then make sure to buy the right replacement fuse.

Install The New One

Installing the new fuse is just as simple as removing the dead one. Carefully push the new fuse into its slot, wiggling it back and forth to ensure it goes in all the way. Then, you can easily replace the cover of the fuse box and start the car. If the dashboard is now lit up, you've done the job properly. If you're still experiencing issues, it's time to call an auto shop like Jensen Tire & Auto.


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