How do I know if my fusible link is blown?

Published by Anaya Cole on

How do I know if my fusible link is blown?

The fusible link is essentially an in line fuse on the positive terminal of the battery. To determine if the fusible link has been blown , one test lead of your ohmmeter should be on the positive terminal of the battery and the other test lead should be on the end of the fusible link going to the circuit it protects.

What happens when fusible link goes out?

As was mentioned earlier, the alternator charges the battery while supplying the rest of the car with electricity. If the alternator’s fuse or fusible link is blown, the alternator will not be able to charge the battery. The battery then doesn’t store enough power for starting the car or keeping it running.

When should fusible links be replaced?

once a year
All Fusible Links shall be replaced once a year. The Links shall be replaced sooner during annual inspection if the conditions in (4) exist. The Fusible alloy that is used in the manufacturing of the Fusible Links undergoes a phenomenon known as Creep or Cold flow.

What causes a fusible link to burn out?

Typically, a fuse burns out when a circuit attempts to transmit too much current, severing the connection before the electrical charge can have any ill effects.

How long do fusible links last?

one a year
All Fusible Links shall be replaced one a year. The Links shall be replaced sooner during annual inspection if the conditions in (4) exist. The Fusible alloy that is used in the manufacturing of the Fusible Links undergoes a phenomenon known as Creep or Cold flow.

Is a fusible link just wire?

A fusible link is a short piece of insulated low-voltage cable within an automotive wiring harness that is designed to protect the harness in applications where a fuse is unsuitable.

Will my car start with a bad fusible link?

We see this a lot in starting systems. A fusible link will blow, and folks will incorrectly diagnose a failed starter motor—turn the ignition key…and nothing will happen. If this (or something similar happens), you should check for blown fuses in your fuse box first.

What is the difference between a fusible link and a fuse?

Again, a fusible link’s function is very similar to a fuse. It’s designed to fail before your wiring harness melts to goo. As a general rule, a fusible link is made of wire that is four gauges higher (smaller) than the rest of the circuit, making it the weakest link in your electrical chain.

Where are Fusible Links located?

They are placed in-line between delicate harnesses and large sources of electrical current in your car—between the battery and alternator, for example. These links must transmit high-current electricity, but also protect the rest of the electrical system from dangerous spikes that could cause a fire.

Can a car start with a bad fusible link?

Fusible links can be frustrating to diagnose and repair, because their damage can be impossible to detect with a simple visual inspection. Additionally, given that they’re designed to interact with high-current electrical components, when they fail, they often lead to a no-start condition.

Where is fusible link located?

What is the purpose of a fusible link in a car?

A fusible link is a mechanical or electrical safety device. They are used in fire sprinkler heads to activate the sprinkler in the presence of heat. They are used in automobile electrical systems as a fuse.