It is possible for large surges of current to pass through the electrical system
of your vehicle. If this surge of current were to reach the load in the circuit,
it could burn it out or severely damage it. To prevent this, fuses, circuit
breakers and/or fusible links are connected into the supply wires of the electrical
system. These items are nothing more than a built-in weak spot in the system.
When an abnormal amount of current flows through the system, these protective
devices work as follows to protect the circuit:
- Fuse[emdash]when an excessive electrical current passes through a fuse,
the fuse "blows" (the conductor melts) and opens the circuit, preventing the
passage of current.
| Fig. 1: Most vehicles use one or more fuse panels.
This one is located in the driver's side kick panel
|
- Circuit Breaker[emdash]a circuit breaker is basically a self-repairing fuse.
It will open the circuit in the same fashion as a fuse, but when the surge
subsides, the circuit breaker can be reset and does not need replacement.
- Fusible Link[emdash]a fusible link (fuse link or main link) is a short length
of special, Hypalon high temperature insulated wire that acts as a fuse. When
an excessive electrical current passes through a fusible link, the thin gauge
wire inside the link melts, creating an intentional open to protect the circuit.
To repair the circuit, the link must be replaced. Some newer type fusible
links are housed in plug-in modules, which are simply replaced like a fuse,
while older type fusible links must be cut and spliced if they melt. Since
this link is very early in the electrical path, it's the first place to look
if nothing on the vehicle works, but the battery seems to be charged and is
properly connected.
CAUTION
Always replace fuses, circuit breakers and fusible links with identically rated
components. Under no circumstances should a component of higher or lower amperage
rating be substituted.
