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Your car has a short circuit. Automotive fuses are used to protect the electrical components and wiring system for your vehicle. A short in the electrical system will just cause a fuse to blow, rather than the wiring overheating or melting. A short is just a poor connection between two conductors that supply electricity, causing an electrical overload in the circuit. Fixing a short circuit is much easier than identifying the location of the problem.

 

There are 3 typical causes of a short circuit in your car:

• Fraying of the wire insulation. If one of the wires is frayed and becomes exposed, it can touch the metal frame or the ground, causing a short in the circuit.
• An electrical device is malfunctioning. Internal damage to your windshield wiper motor or power locking components can cause these systems to use more current flow than normal to keep working, overloading the circuit, causing it to short.
• A conductor is being exposed to the elements. If there is a leak somewhere in your car, fluid could be wetting the wiring harness and connection points.
• Improper fuse replacement. Fuses can keep blowing out if someone has replaced a blown fuse with one of higher amperage. Your vehicle’s manual should contain a diagram showing the correct amperage rating for each fuse and the circuit that it is in.

Consult an automotive professional at Partner Tire (802) 878-6731 to be sure that the right fuse is being used in the right location.