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Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1505
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Fuses - which makes are safe? |
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I got my FIAT 500 fixed yesterday as was constantly blowing a fuse. I had to replace it each time in order to drive the car (mini blade).
It was a specialist auto electrics place. Their advice on fuses was to only use manufacturers fuses since you can never be sure what metal inside them (steel/aluminium etc) . They told me they get all their fuses from breaking cars and showed me a car they were working on because the wiring had burned where the replacement fuse had failed to blow.
I wondered if anyone else had any knowledge or experience of this? If it is right then it will certainly make it difficult to obtain replacements. I'm interested in sources for good quality replacements just in case.
Cheers Gary
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Discovery 4 HSE 2016MY
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22nd Jun 2017 8:12 am |
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JMack
Member Since: 02 Aug 2014
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 1517
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Car manufacturers don't make the fuses.
On the broken cars they say they get the fuses from, how do they know the fuses have never been changed for a different 'make'.
If concerned buy fuses from a reputable seller.
What was causing your fuse to blow, or has it been ok since they fitted a Fiat fuse?
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22nd Jun 2017 9:17 am |
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Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1505
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They replaced the wiring harness between body and boot hatch as it had bare wires touching earth, that was causing the fuse to blow. It's quite a common problem on the 500. Combination of design and inferior wiring. Incidentally my Disco has 2 of such harnesses connecting body to boot hatch, but not seen any reports of issues with that area on here. Probably a bit more robust.
I am probably mis reporting what they said. They use the fuses that are original equipment with the cars. How do they know they are? Not sure. The replacement fuses I a have been using do look different to the original. The ampage number is much less well defined on the replacements.
Cheers Gary
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Discovery 4 HSE 2016MY
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22nd Jun 2017 10:42 am |
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TigerRecovery
Member Since: 31 May 2017
Location: Long Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk
Posts: 901
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Most companies use fuses supplied by Littelfuse as they have a very good reputation. I would question some of the cheaper fuses coming in from countries such as China where forgery is notorious.
I would also point out that if you compare the size of the fuseable part of each fuse for sizing, you will hopefully notice if there is a difference. It is more likely that they will blow more easily as they'll have less material to save money, or they are made of a cheaper material with the same result. You'll find you'll buy more fuses in any case which is false economy.
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22nd Jun 2017 10:48 am |
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Gary_P
Member Since: 03 May 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 1505
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Littlefuse makes sense. When I was looking for fuses I think I read that they patented most of the current fuse designs .
Yes, comparing the metal part size is one way of gauging it. The point made by the guys I spoke to was you don't know what the metal is. They suggested the one that hadn't blown and caused the wiring to burn on the car they showed me was steel. Gary
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Discovery 4 HSE 2016MY
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22nd Jun 2017 11:34 am |
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TigerRecovery
Member Since: 31 May 2017
Location: Long Stratton, Norwich, Norfolk
Posts: 901
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You could always check with a magnet, copper or tin shouldn't be magnetic.
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22nd Jun 2017 11:46 am |
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lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
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Yes cheap fuses are the pants
Daf trucks had a big issues with melting fuse boards all down to elcheapo fuses, and they then said only their fuses for warranty etc.
We as a workshop literally change dozens of fuses per week, I have my own tray of fuses in my toolbox and am always restocking it, std blade and mini blade and Ive lost count of the amount of cheap ones Ive pulled and the plastic has come off leaving the blades themselves in the fuseboard.
Rough rule is if the amp rating numbers are painted white etc then they are likely good, plain no paint chuck away.
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22nd Jun 2017 3:22 pm |
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Godders
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Dordogne
Posts: 19
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As with most things with cars and mostly in life....you get what you pay for Never argue with a stupid person.....they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
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22nd Jun 2017 5:24 pm |
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