How to Test Car Fuses with a Multimeter (Guide)

Replacing a faulty fuse is simple. Knowing how to replace it yourself will save you time and money. You can avoid costly mechanic fees and complete this relatively easy task on your own.

To guide you through the process of testing your car’s fuse, I’ve outlined 4 key steps. In General, testing and replacing a car’s fuse requires 1. identifying the fuse type, 2. setting up the multimeter, 3. connecting the probes, and finally 4. replacing the faulty fuse.

In this guide, we will guide you through these steps in more detail.

You will need the following tools:

• A replacement Fuse (The same type as your car) (1)
• A Digital Multimeter
• Pliers
• Owner’s manual (If available)

Identifying the Car’s Fuse Type

Identify what type of fuse your car is using to select the correct replacement fuse. Nowadays, the most common types of fuses found in cars are the Blade Type Fuses you can see in the picture below. If you aren’t sure, check the owner’s manual for fuse type.

Setting Up your Multimeter

Follow these steps to get your multimeter ready for your car.

1. You’ll notice there is a knob in the middle and a series of numbers and symbols surrounding that knob. All you need to find is the Ohms sign, in some, you will see an Omega logo instead. (2)

2. When you find this sign, turn the knob towards it. Look for the lowest number available in your multimeter, usually, it’s 20 Ohms.

Connecting the Probes

Now that your multimeter is ready, you can start checking.  

1. The multimeter comes with 2 cables, known as probes. The pointed needle-like metal tips at the end are the test pins.  

2. Tap the pins onto the strips of metal at both ends of the fuse while it still sits in the fuse box.  

3. Some multimeters have a beeping sound. It is to tell you that there is continuity between what the probes are touching.  

4. A good fuse is always the one where continuity is present, so if you hear a beep sound, that fuse is good.   ‘

5. If your multimeter does not have a beeping sound, check the reading. If it indicates “0.00” then the fuse is good, if it gets a reading for example of “1” then the fuse is bad.

Replacing the Fuse

1. Use a plier and grab the faulty fuse in the middle or at the sides.  

2. Dispose of the faulty fuse and insert the new replacement.  

3. Start the car and check if the new fuse worked.

Wrapping Up

When you have a multimeter, you can test your car’s fuses with ease. Next time have a faulty fuse; you don’t need to go to your mechanic right away. You can now test it yourself.

Take a look at some of our related articles below.

• How to test a stator with a multimeter
• How to test a car ground wire with a multimeter
• How to test a 5-pin relay with a multimeter

---

References
(1) types of car – https://www.caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/g26100588/car-types/
(2) logo – https://medium.com/makersdesign/what-is-a-logo-6facd73e5b86