Stinking, no good, ratzenfratzen fuses!

[jaybird]

Blew two more fuses to the radio yesterday when I had the B out. Didn't blow the 17amp one under the hood this time, just the radio. I have a half dozen extra ones in the glove box, so I'm prepared. But this is getting ANNOYING!

Last 4 times it blew, I had a cd in. Draw more power doing that maybe? And it happens when I turn up the volume.

Can I go up to a bigger fuse (in amps) to see if that will solve the problem?


((I think we need a rant/rave forum here!) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[jerryrosa]

Hiya Jaybird!

Not knowing your equipment, or it's power needs, it's hard to say.

Here's a link to some info on selecting the proper fuses for your stereo:

https://www.caraudiohelp.com/newsletter/fuse_size.htm

Hope it helps some!

Jerry /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

btw,..lol about needing a rant/rave forum! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif

 

[John Moore]

What size fuse do you have in there now? Fuses blow for a reason, which is to protect the wires from melting, if you have the proper size fuse in there according to the specs of the radio, I would be very hesitant about putting in larger fuse until I found the cause of the large power draw.

 

[jaybird]

3 amp? The fuses say Buss AGC 3A 250V.

Radio specs? Umm, it's a JVC, 18 preset stations, a cd player, removable face plate. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

 

[jaybird]

I know. I need to know how many watts the stereo is and the speakers, right?

 

[jaybird]

Radio is 50 watts x 4. Door speakers are Infinity, 75 watts peak, back speakers are Sony 180 watts peak. I think. I can't find the boxes anywhere. Dahubby has them tucked away somewhere in the garage--if he kept them.

 

[Keoke]

JB Look at the radio instructions and see what they call out for fuse size. The current modern radio systems seem to use a fuse with a 5-or-6 amp rating. If you can determine from the literature for the radio what its maximum current draw is a fuse size can be calculated. Also you might just try a 3A Slow Blow fuse it may cure the problem.___Keoke
No JB ,What is needed is the "Current" consumed by the radio expressed in Amperes.

 

[jaybird]

[ QUOTE ]
JB Look at the radio instructions and see what they call out for fuse size. The current modern radio systems seem to use a fuse with a 5-or-6 amp rating. If you can determine from the literature for the radio what its maximum current draw is a fuse size can be calculated. Also you might just try a 3A Slow Blow fuse it may cure the problem.___Keoke
No JB ,What is needed is the "Current" consumed by the radio expressed in Amperes.

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks. I'll have to wait to find out what dahubby did with the radio book. I can't even reset the clock in that bloody thing right now. It should be in the glove box, but nah, that would be too simple. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[adam90009]

It sounds like something else is wrong if it is blowing a 17amp fuse. You can run 3, maybe even 4 100W lights on 17 amps!

 

[Keoke]

OK JB, LOL---Keoke

Maybe two Adam,but even thats cutting it pretty close---

Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[jerryrosa]

Well then, if jaybird is running a 200 watt stereo, and 500+ watts of speaker,...maybe it is the fuse.

Jerry

 

[Geo Hahn]

Yes, if you put a big enough fuse in there the circuit will be 'protected' by your $400 wiring harness which will melt to save the $100 radio.

If you can get access to an ammeter it is pretty easy to measure the draw of any accessory by placing the meter in series with the device. I have charted the draw of everything on my cars (slow day I guess) so I know what the current requirements are for any combination.

Of course the other possibility is a short which would blow any size fuse -- but more likely it is just drawing more than 3a. And to answer your other question, a CD playing should draw more than just radio due to the motor.

I expect the wiring for the stereo will have a capacity much higher than the 3 amps but knowing the exact draw will enable you to be sure you have a big enough gauge wire and appropriate fuse protection.

 

[jaybird]

PFFFFFFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTT! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

 

[jaybird]

AHA! Dahubby's home. He thinks he's going to shower and flop on the sofa and watch football. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[John S Farrington]

The fuse spec that you quoted was "3A x 250W". A 3 amp fuse is not enough for a radio with CD. Go to at least a 10 amp and you will have longer fuse life. You should also find out why the 17 amp fuse blew by isolating that circuit.

 

[Keoke]

Hello John, I think that is about right.However, for JB's peace of mind and not being able to see the actual installation I just wanted to sneak up on the value. We will try a 4 AMP Slow Blow and see if it holds.-OK JB---Keoke

 

[jaybird]

4 amp slow blow? I can buy some of those. I figured it was because the cd player is pulling more power. Thanks you guys, you're the best!

 

[Keoke]

Yes JB Slow Blow fuses are Quite common, go to a good electronic supply and specifically ask for the Slow blow type.If 4Amp is not available take 5 Amp ones will be OK. Let us know how you get on.--Regards---Keoke------ Hold the Kudos we ain't fixed it yet /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif---OH JB there should be two fuses used by the radio can you tell me what size the other one is??_Keoke