Fuses
Fuses are used to break a circuit when the current reaches a certain value, in order to protect components and wires that could be damaged by too much current. A sudden increase in current is usually caused by a fault in the circuit, most often a short circuit (see subsection 14.2).
Most of the fuses are located in the fuse box on the left side of the instrument panel, additional fuses are located in the fuse and relay box on the right side of the engine compartment.
On later models, one or three additional high-power fuses can be installed in the engine compartment, near the battery. On models with a single fuse located near the battery, it protects the electrical circuits of the anti-lock braking system. If three fuses are installed, the two fuses located closer to the battery protect the charging system circuit, and the third fuse located further from the battery protects the electrical circuits of the anti-lock braking system.
To access the fuse box on the instrument panel, open the cover.
To access the fuses located in the engine compartment fuse box, simply remove the cover.
The designations of the circuits protected by the fuses are indicated on the fuse box cover.
Before removing a fuse, turn off the corresponding circuit (or ignition), then remove the fuse from the contacts. The wire should be visible inside the fuse; if the fuse is blown, the wire will be broken or melted.
Always use fuses of the correct rating. Never use a fuse of a different rating or replace it with something else. Do not replace a fuse more than once without eliminating the source of the fault. The fuse rating is indicated on the top of the fuse; please note that the fuses are color coded for easy identification.
If a fuse blows immediately after replacement, do not replace it again until you have identified and corrected the cause of the fault. In most cases, the cause of the fault is a short circuit caused by poor insulation. If the fuse protects several circuits, try to find the circuit that is causing the fuse to blow by turning on each circuit in turn (if possible). Always keep a set of spare fuses of different ratings in your car. They should be secured to the base of the fuse box.
Relay
A relay is an electronic switch that is used for several reasons.
A relay can switch high voltage current without being in the circuit carrying that current, allowing thinner wires and contacts to be used.
A relay can have more than one control source, unlike a mechanical switch.
The relay may have a timer function, such as a relay used for intermittent operation of windshield wipers.
Most relays are located in the fuse box in the engine compartment or behind the lower trim panel of the instrument panel on the passenger side. Depending on the engine type, year, and equipment installed, additional individual relays may be installed in the engine compartment and various other locations in the vehicle.
1. If a circuit or system controlled by a relay fails and you suspect the relay is at fault, turn on the system.
2. If the relay is working, you should hear a click when power is applied to it, in which case the source of the fault is some other element of the system or the connecting wires.
3. If the relay does not activate, then either the relay is not receiving power or switching voltage, or the relay itself is faulty.
4. The relay is tested by replacing it with a working relay. Be careful, because although some relays look and function the same, there are relays that look similar but function differently.
Warning! Before removing the relay, first check that the ignition is off. Then you can simply pull the relay out of its socket and insert a new one in its place.
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