Replacing fuses (Opel Vectra C)

1. Various combinations of fuses, circuit breakers and fusible links can be used to protect the contact circuits of vehicle electrical equipment.

2. In the models of cars under consideration, the fuses are distributed among three mounting blocks. One mounting block is mounted in the instrument panel on the left. This block also contains the controls for the electronic systems of the passenger compartment and the instrument panel. The second passenger compartment mounting block is mounted in the left side of the luggage compartment. In addition to the fuses and relays, it contains the controls that monitor the operation of the electronic systems of the rear of the car. The third mounting block is located on the left in the engine compartment next to the battery. The engine control module (ECM) is also installed in this block. All blocks are equipped with removable covers.

3. To access the mounting block on the instrument panel, grasp the ledge on the service cover of the block (see accompanying illustration) and pull it towards you with force, if necessary use a plastic wedge. Remove the cover from the mounting grooves and remove it.





4. To remove the cover of the mounting block in the luggage compartment on Sedan/Hatchback models, it is necessary to press 1, and on Station Wagon/Signum models 2 clamps (see accompanying illustrations), open and remove the covers from the luggage compartment trim. On Estate/Signum models, another service cover must be removed to access the fuses.





5. In the engine compartment, to remove the cover of the underhood fuse box, you must first remove the cover of the protective casing of the battery (see Chapter 5). Then press the lock (arrow A) (see accompanying illustration)mounting block cover, pull the cover up (arrow B) and remove it.





6. Each individual fuse is used to protect a specific electrical circuit or several circuits. An identification card with a diagram of the location of the fuses in the mounting block is usually glued to the cover of the latter, on its inner side (see also Specifications).

7. The fuses in the mounting blocks are compact in design, equipped with bayonet contacts, and, if necessary, can be easily removed from their sockets in the block. A special clamp should be used to remove the fuses (see illustration 3.7a), which is attached to the back of the instrument panel fuse box cover. If any of the power consumers fails, the condition of the corresponding fuse should always be checked first. The fuse body is usually made of transparent plastic, through which the condition of the working jumper can be easily determined (see illustration 3.7b).





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8. When replacing a blown fuse, make sure that the replacement element you prepare matches the type of the one that failed. Each electrical circuit has different operating parameters and requires a different degree of protection, so replacing a fuse designed for a certain current with one that does not match its parameters is fraught with the most serious consequences (until a fire breaks out). Operating parameters of the fuse (rated current) are usually marked on its plastic body, in addition, color identification is additionally used (see Specifications).

9. If the new fuse also fails immediately after installation, there is no point in replacing it further - first you should identify and eliminate the cause of the overload in the circuit. In most cases, this is a short circuit in the connecting wiring caused by damage to its insulation. Spare fuses are placed in special sockets on the back of the service cover of the instrument panel mounting block (see accompanying illustration), as well as in free pads directly in the mounting blocks.





10. After completing work on electrical equipment, replace the cover of the corresponding mounting block and check the tightness of the fit and fixation of the cover.