Q: My car broke down on me and I check the fuse box and the fusible link had blown so bad that it blew the top off the fuse.
What will cause that to blow so bad?
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Alternator Replacement | $166.62 - $1297.14 | Get a Quote |
| Electric Problems Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi there. From the description you have given, it must of been the main fuse that blew, causing your vehicle to break down. Your vehicle’s main fuse is a high amperage fuse, it is capable of carrying a large electrical load. The short that caused the fuse to blow could have created enough energy to blow the top off of the fuse. It could be, a direct short in the alternator, that caused the failure. Sometimes, electrical shorts are difficult to isolate. Replacing the fuse without identifying the cause, will result in another blown fuse. I recommend your vehicle’s fusible link had blown so bad it blew the top off the fuse be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How do you cancel active park assist?
While the (optional) active park assist (APA) system on your car provides you with automated assistance for parallel parking, there may be times that you need to cancel the procedure. Don’t worry – it’s easy. Use any of these methods:...
Oil pressure dropping
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds like your engine is at about the end of its useful life. If a motor seizes, the piston has become so hot and expanded that its stuck in...
Air conditioner not blowing cold air
Just because the A/C wasn't working doesn't necessarily mean that the Freon was low. There are several things that could be wrong, but now that you have added the Freon, you know that an undercharge was not the problem. You...
Green liquid everywhere
If the coolant is low in the engine and you see a leak near the rear of the engine then the heater core may have broke. You would need to have this verified by having the system pressure tested. In...
Rough idle when A/C on
Your engine throttle body and idle air control may be clogged with carbon and engine is idling too low with A/C on causing the rough idle. Have the idle control valve and throttle cleaned (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/clean-throttle-body) out. You may also have...
Can I replace the ignition lock cylinder without removing the steering wheel?
Hi there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to help. Unfortunately, in order to replace the ignition lock cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-an-ignition-lock-cylinder-by-timothy-charlet), you need to remove the steering wheel. If you do not remove it, you cannot remove the screws that...
Won't start after warmed up.
Hello. If the vehicle starts after being allowed to sit for a while, then it may be possible that the issue is heat-related and goes away once the car cools down. If the vehicle will start with starting fluid, then...
Check Engine Light is on - code P0350
Hi there. Changing the plugs and coils is definitely a plausible route to take; however, this sounds like you have an open circuit in the wire harness, anywhere from the coils to the ECM. Using a digital volt/ohm meter and...
Gear takes a while to change from reverse to drive
Hello. You don't specify the mileage on your Focus, but the symptoms suggest low internal hydraulic pressure in the transmission (despite the recent fluid and filter change), or a weak forward clutch pack. If you would like to have this...
Related articles
How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?
Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...
How to Get Infiniti Dealership Certified
Technician Orientation Program Certification for Infiniti vehicles
How to Replace an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Fuse or Relay on Most Cars
Anti-lock brake systems have a fuse that fails if the ABS brake light is on or when the fuse is blown. The wheels may lock up if the ABS fuse is bad.
Browse other content
Services
Estimates