Indicator Lights Stop Working? How to Detect and Replace a Blown Fuse

Sometimes the little things matter the most. If you suddenly find yourself without a particular light in your Vauxhall, your indicator lights stop working or you can’t play your favourite CD anymore while driving to work, the problem is likely a small one. It’s most likely a blown fuse. Luckily, fuses are simple to fix, and relatively inexpensive. They should be the first thing you check when your gadgets stop working so you can avoid an expensive trip to the mechanic only to find out you didn’t need to go.

But what are fuses? Car fuses are small elements that help protect the electrical system and circuits in your Vauxhall. They are made up of a fuse element and two terminals encased in a body made of plastic. They act as a bridge between the electrical system and another particular system in your car, like your indicator lights.

Every system connected by a fuse to the circuits within your car is designed to draw a certain amount of power. If the amount of power increases for some reason, like a malfunction, short circuit or circuit overload, the element within the fuse can become too hot. This can result in it melting, which can interrupt the circuit and prevent the system it is connected to from working.

Where are Fuses Located?

Most cars have two locations where fuses are housed. The first is below the bonnet, while the second is behind the dash. These fuse boxes can be easily accessed by a car owner. Doing it yourself, or even having a professional replace your blown fuses, can save you money. Unfortunately, many people ignore the idea that such a small device could cause their systems to shut down. As a result, they often pay for unnecessary replacement car parts and repairs.

The easiest way to find your fuse box (or boxes, depending on the year and model of your Vauxhall) is to take a look at your owner’s manual. You will not only find the locations of the boxes here, but also information as to what each fuse is responsible for protecting. Each fuse has a different task and may protect your lights, accessories and entertainment. In most cases, a diagram is also provided to help you find the fuse related to the electronic that is malfunctioning in your vehicle. This can help you locate the fuse quickly and easily.

What Happens When a Fuse Blows?

Fuses can fail for many reasons, some of which are simple. You might play your radio too loud or add too many additional accessories to your car’s systems which require more power than the fuse can support. Old age can also make a fuse fail, like any other car parts.  Fuses don’t last forever and may need to be replaced on occasion. Often, the system that it’s connected to simply dies until the fuse is replaced.

In some cases, the problem of a blown fuse can be worse. If you replace the fuse and find that it continues to fail again and again, the issue is likely to be with other Vauxhall parts. There may be a short circuit somewhere or a malfunction in the electrical system causing the fuse to fail.

Checking Fuses

The first step to replacing a fuse is to check and make sure it actually needs to be replaced. Always make sure the ignition of your Vauxhall is turned off prior to starting this procedure. Then, take a look at your owner’s manual and find the location of the fuse used to protect the system that is malfunctioning or has stopped working completely. Find the correct fuse box and fuse using the diagram provided.

Remove the fuse by pulling on it firmly to free it from the receiving terminals in the car. In most cases, you can do this by hand. However, you may also need a set of pliers or a fuse puller. In some models, a fuse puller is located right inside the fuse box for your convenience. In case the fuse is still good, be careful not to break it. Attempt to remove it by the endcaps first. If this doesn’t work, gently attempt to remove it by grabbing the centre area.

Take a look at the fuse after freeing it. If the fuse is still working properly, it will be completely clear. There shouldn’t be any clouding or residue on it. Some fuses that have blown will show filaments that are no longer intact. They may also be black inside. If there is nothing wrong with the fuse, other Vauxhall parts may be to blame for your malfunctioning systems instead of the fuse. In this case, replace the fuse by pushing it back into the terminal completely.

Replacing a Fuse

Replacing a blown fuse is as simple as replacing a good one that you’ve taken out to check. You just need to push the fuse into the terminal until it is completely pushed in. You have to make sure it is the right fuse, however, if you want the replacement to work. Always check the amperage on the old fuse and match it exactly to the replacement one. These car parts must match each other precisely. If you choose a replacement fuse with a higher amperage, wires connected and near the fuses might melt. This can result in the need to replace more expensive car parts. If you choose a fuse with a lower amperage, however, your electronics may not have the power they need to work correctly.

After replacing the fuse, check your electronics and lights to see if they are functioning as they should again. If they are, you found the problem. If not, other Vauxhall parts may be to blame. You may also need to replace the electronics themselves in order to remedy the issue.

Found yourself without indicator lights or your favourite music? The problem could be a fuse. When these overheat, they can often melt and fail. Replacing them is necessary and luckily, rather easy. With just a little bit of your time, you can get your electronics working again with a new fuse.