Way Outta Control
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: The Palouse
Posts: 13,432
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Re: Testing fuses the easy way.
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For my enlightenment, would you, in the normal course of events, test the fuse holder in a factory fuse box and if so - how?
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To do a good test, remove power, clip leads to the the contacts. Set the Ohm meter to Beep, if it has that function...Then Ohm out from the lead to the wiring harness feed point, while shaking the heck outta the contact with pliers if needed. Often contacts are two piece contacts held together via a brass rivet at it's base. The rivet connects the contact to the buss feed. This joint is a point of faiure, especially in higher current circuits like fans and lights. The voltage may get to one side of the rivet/contact, but not to the other side. Shaking, tweeking the contact may restore function, or break the circuit, depending on the corrosion or loosness of the rivet. It's a crap shoot.
I've always felt it's better to remove a possible bad fuse, have it break for good than put back a fuse I can't depend on.
I know how to use wire strands to simulate fuses when needed, so pulling a bad fuse doesn't disturb me. Also, I carry a full set of extra fuses, so it's a rare day I have to depend on gum wrappers and stranded wire for fuse material. Never leave home without 'em.