Where is the fusible link located?

They are placed in-line between delicate harnesses and large sources of electrical current in your car—between the battery and alternator, for example. These links must transmit high-current electricity, but also protect the rest of the electrical system from dangerous spikes that could cause a fire.

What are the symptoms of a bad fusible link?

Diagnosis of a bad fusible link The fusible link usually resides near the battery. Search for a wire that is two gauges roughly smaller than other harnesses. If you touch the wire, you may feel it is even more rubbery than the other wires. And there may even be “fusible link” printed on the wire.

Can I bypass a fusible link?

If you already know what it was and fixed it, fusible links can be purchased at auto parts stores and installed in the same amount of time you would take to perform the bypass. The couple dollars saved bypassing it are not really worth the fire risk if something should occur.

Why do fusible links go bad?

Fusible links work off of heat in the wire (resistance). Too high a resistance, the wire in the fusible link melts and creates an open (like blowing a fuse). It is possible that after many years of use and power through the wire that it indeed didn’t have the same load capacity as a brand new one.

What is the difference between a fuse and a fusible link?

One difference between a fusable link and a fuse is that the link is bare while the fuse has the link in some type of enclosed package. As a general rule, a fusible link is made of wire that is four gauges higher (smaller) than the rest of the circuit, making it the weakest link in your electrical chain.

Can you replace a fusible link with a fuse?

A fuse will not work, you must replace with a fusible link. A fusible link is a solid wire (but smaller awg) placed in a current carrying line where there should NEVER be a dead short. Fusible links—also spelled fuseable and fusable—serve a similar purpose to a fuse.

What is the advantage of a fusible link?

Just like a fuse, the link is designed to handle a lower current (amp) load than the rest of the system so, in the event of a short or overload, the link will be the first failure point. When it fails, it will break the continuity in the rest of the circuit, preventing damage to other components down the line.

What is the purpose of a fusible link?

A fusible link is a short piece of insulated low-voltage cable within an automotive wiring harness that is designed to protect the harness in applications where a fuse is unsuitable.

How often do fusible links need to be replaced?

once a year
All Fusible Links shall be replaced once a year. The Links shall be replaced sooner during annual inspection if the conditions in (4) exist. The Fusible alloy that is used in the manufacturing of the Fusible Links undergoes a phenomenon known as Creep or Cold flow.

What is the difference between a fusible link and a fuse?

Can you use a fuse instead of a fusible link?

What size fusible link do I need?

A 14-gauge wire would be protected by an 18-gauge fusible link. A 6-gauge wire would be protected by a 10-gauge link, and so on. Odd number wire gauge sizes like 19, 15, 13 and 11 are counted when sizing a link. The length of a fusible link should not exceed 9″.

How long are fusible links?

9″
The length of a fusible link should not exceed 9″. Can a fusible link be used to replace a fuse that blows frequently? In general, a fusible link should never be used to replace an automotive fuse unless authorized by a vehicle factory service bulletin.

How many amps can a 12 gauge fusible link handle?

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