Pontiac 12004008 Fuse Assembly, Dash Wiring Harness Fuse Block

Interior electrical protection is provided by fuses, circuit breakers and fusible links; the fuse blocks are mounted on the LH side of the dash under the instrument panel and, in Geo Metro models, in the engine compartment adjacent to the battery. The fuse protects an individual circuit and the particulars of the circuit can be seen on the fuse panel. They are mini, fuses with a blade terminal type making it possible to remove and replace using a fingertip. When an electrical component fails, first of all, one must always check the fuse as the electrical fuse which is usually enclosed in a clear plastic body can be seen to be blown just by looking at the element. For continuity checks the blade terminal tips are visible inside the fuse body. Car fuses should be replaced with correct ones, although it is possible to replace them with fuses of different rating physically, those not matching the rating of the circuit should not be used as they provide different levels of protection to electrical circuits. The amperage value of the fuse is printed or engraved on the body of the fuse. If for instance the replacement fuse blows as soon as it is fitted, it should not be replaced again unless the causes of the problem - common as a short circuit due to a damaged or worn out wire - are diagnosed and addressed.

The fuse block is located under the instrument panel on the left side of the dashboard. Each fuse protects a specific circuit, labeled on the fuse panel. A broken metal element inside indicates a blown fuse. Use a test light to check for power at both ends of fuses. Replace blown fuses with the correct rating. If a new fuse blows instantly, identify and fix the underlying issue. Some circuits use fusible links, smaller than the protected wire, which need replacement if damaged. Circuit breakers, found in the fuse box, protect components like power windows; some reset automatically, others manually.

To determine if a fuse is blown, remove it from the fuse block and examine the fuse element for a break.

If an electrical component fails, always check the fuse first.

The electrical circuits of the vehicle are protected by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers, and fusible links.

The instrument panel fuse block is behind a panel on the driver's side knee bolster.

If power is present on one side of the fuse but not the other, the fuse is blown, which can also be confirmed visually.

There are different sizes of fuses, including small, medium, and large, all with the same blade terminal design. The medium and large fuses can be removed by hand, but the small fuses require pliers or a fuse-puller tool.

It is important to replace blown fuses with the correct type because fuses of different ratings are physically interchangeable but should not be used interchangeably; each electrical circuit requires a specific amount of protection, and the amperage value is molded into the fuse body.