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
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 an 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 the element in the fuse for an open (2). If not broken (1), also check for continuity using a DMM or a continuity tester. If the element is open 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 |
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.