How to tell if a Ford fuse is blown?

If you're experiencing electrical issues with your Ford vehicle, a blown fuse could be the culprit. Identifying a blown fuse is a straightforward process that can help you quickly diagnose and resolve the problem. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to determine if a Ford fuse is blown.

Locating the Fuse Box

The first step is to locate the fuse box in your Ford vehicle. The fuse box is typically located in one of the following places:

• Under the dashboard on the driver's side


• Under the hood, usually near the battery


• In the trunk or cargo area

Consult your owner's manual or the fuse box diagram, which is often located on the underside of the fuse box cover, to identify the location of the fuse box in your specific Ford model.

Inspecting the Fuses

Once you've located the fuse box, you'll need to visually inspect the fuses. Ford fuses are typically made of clear plastic, allowing you to see the metal strip inside. A blown fuse will have a broken or discolored metal strip.

To check the fuses, follow these steps:

1. Locate the fuse that corresponds to the electrical component that is not working.


2. Gently pull the fuse out of the fuse box using a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers.


3. Examine the metal strip inside the fuse. If the strip is broken or discolored, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

If the metal strip appears intact, the fuse is likely not the issue, and you may need to investigate further to identify the problem.

Replacing a Blown Fuse

Once you've identified a blown fuse, you'll need to replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage rating. The amperage rating is typically printed on the fuse or the fuse box cover. Be sure to use the correct replacement fuse to avoid further damage to your Ford's electrical system.

To replace the fuse, simply insert the new fuse into the empty slot in the fuse box, ensuring it is securely in place. If the new fuse blows immediately, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional mechanic.

By following these steps, you can quickly and easily determine if a Ford fuse is blown and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. Remember to always consult your owner's manual or a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of your Ford's electrical system.

How to visually tell a fuse is blown?

If the filament is broken through, there's melting visible, or there are black or brown burn marks inside or on the outer portion of the fuse, it's an indication the fuse is blown. Use a circuit tester/test light or DVOM.

How to tell if a fuse has blown?

You can tell if a fuse is blown by a visual inspection or by using a multimeter. Visually, a blown fuse will have a broken metal wire, a cloudy or discolored glass, or a dark/metallic smear inside. For a definitive test, use a multimeter's continuity or resistance setting; a blown fuse will show no continuity (no beep) or infinite resistance.
 
This video demonstrates how to visually check for a blown fuse and how to use a multimeter to test its continuity: 59sproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Aug 17, 2024
Visual inspection

• Look for a broken wire: The most common sign is a visibly broken or melted filament or metal line inside the fuse. 
• Check for discoloration: The glass top of the fuse may appear cloudy, black, or discolored. 
• Examine for a metallic smear: A dark or metallic residue inside the fuse can indicate that the internal element has failed. 

Using a multimeter

• Set the multimeter: Set your multimeter to the continuity or resistance (Ωcap omegaΩ) setting. A continuity test will typically beep for a good fuse, while a resistance test will show a very low resistance value. 
• Test for continuity: Touch the two probes of the multimeter to the two metal contacts on the fuse. If you hear a beep or get a very low resistance reading, the fuse is good. If you get no beep or a reading of "OL" (open loop) or infinite resistance, the fuse is blown. 
• Test for voltage (if fuse is still in the fuse box): You can also use the voltage setting on the multimeter to check if power is reaching the fuse. Check the voltage on one side of the fuse. If there is voltage, then check the other side. If there is no voltage on the second side, the fuse is likely blown. 

How do I know if my Ford fuse is blown?

Light. Place the clamp on ground. And then we're going to test it on the positive. If we have a complete circuit here the test light should light up right here in the handle.

How to check fuses without removing them?

You can check a fuse without removing it by using a multimeter set to continuity mode or a test light. For a continuity check, a good fuse will cause the multimeter to beep, indicating a complete circuit. Using a test light, you can check if there is power on both sides of the fuse; a good fuse will have power on both sides. 
Using a multimeter
This video shows how to check a fuse using a multimeter: 57sLurgs How To GuidesYouTube · Mar 13, 2018

1. Set your multimeter to continuity mode: Look for the symbol for continuity, which is often a sound wave or a diode symbol. Your multimeter should beep when the two probes touch to confirm the setting is working. 
2. Touch the probes to the metal contacts: For many fuses, you can simply touch the two metal tabs on top of the fuse with the multimeter probes. For some fuse boxes, you may need to access the back and touch the terminals directly. 
3. Interpret the results: If the fuse is good, the multimeter will beep and/or show a low resistance reading (close to 000 ohms). If the fuse is bad, the multimeter will not beep and will show an open or infinite reading. 

Using a test light
This video demonstrates how to check a fuse with a test light: 1mWiseman Automotive YouTube · Jan 27, 2024

1. Connect the test light: Connect the test light's clip to a good ground or the negative terminal of the battery. 
2. Test the fuse: With the circuit powered on, touch the probe of the test light to one of the exposed terminals on the top of the fuse. Then, move the probe to the other terminal on the same fuse. 
3. Interpret the results: A good fuse will have power on both sides, so the test light will illuminate when you touch either terminal. If the fuse is blown, there will be power on the input side but the test light will not illuminate on the output side.