By Frank (24.4.77.156) on Saturday, November 10, 2001 - 02:48 pm:

I'll try to make this brief...
I was removing amps in my 77 HB CVCC. I removed the fuses in the power lines that ran directly to the battery. I went to reconnect the battery w/o reconnecting those lines, and I got nothing...no lights, buzzers, etc. So I reconnected the lines (w/o the fuses in place) and promptly fried that fuse that is on the fender wall between me and the battery. Before I go any further, does anyone have any gut impressions? What is that fuse supposed to protect (aside from me from myself!)? Thanks for your help!

By ddechon (12.78.179.116) on Saturday, November 10, 2001 - 04:27 pm:

I think that's a total system fuse.
If you ever draw too much current throughout your entire car that fuse will blow.

Besides protecting your car from major damage, that fuse might also be there to protect your battery power and vehicle reliability. Let's say your alternator kicks out 30 amps max. If you exceed that you could eventually drain your battery and eventually you wouldn't have enough power to run your ignition system.

When you disconnected your amps, did you leave some of your wires bare? Make sure you cover them with electrical tape or get rid of them totally.

This is usually works to help track down an electrical problem:
1. Take out all your fuses, big and small.
2. Replace the big fuse by the engine first.
3. Replace the smaller fuses inside the car one by one while watching for a blown fuse.
4. The blown fuse should indicate where your problem is.

Good Luck
Darrell

By ddechon (12.78.179.116) on Saturday, November 10, 2001 - 04:47 pm:

Once again it helps to read. I'll try again...

Ummm.

I'd leave those wires off until you straighten everything out. Then follow steps 1 thru 4 above.

I'm a little confused, because the lines that run to your battery should not effect the large fuse in the engine compartment. It sounds like your wires were connected after the fuse, instead directly on the battery.

Darrell

By kelly (205.188.199.171) on Sunday, November 11, 2001 - 05:52 am:

that main fuse is very important. it keeps you and your vehicle from going up in flames, without it, your electrical system could have some sort of surge or short and melt down all the wires involved instantly, add some oil or grease in the enginebay, and poof, you've got a fire.
believe me it has happened before in another car when i was younger and bypassed that fuse to add more amps to my stereo.
i believe the voltage regulator fuse in the fuse box will blow if your alternator goes bad or overcharges, i think its the fuse on the very bottom.
good luck
kelly