Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights
A few days after getting my car back from the dealer, I noticed the underhood lights were no longer working. I checked the inline fuse holder in front of the driver side wheel well like all the CF threads say to do and sure enough, no fuse. The factory service manual says it's a 10 amp fuse but I couldn't find a part number for it like they have for replacement bulbs. Now the last time I messed around with auto fuses, Reagan was still in his first term and they all looked like little glass cylinders with metal caps on each end. Whatever fits in this inline fuseholder definitely wouldn't be one of those. Is this some specialty item or has fuse design changed in the last twenty years? Will the guy behind the parts counter at Pep Boys know what I'm even talking about or will I have to take a trip to the dealer and pay $20 for a $.50 piece?
Thanks in advance...
[Modified by tobijohn, 2:40 PM 8/1/2003]
Thanks in advance...
[Modified by tobijohn, 2:40 PM 8/1/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
Automakers no longer use the glass fuses. They now use blade fuses which can be bought nearly anywhere. Note that blade fuses come in 3-4 difference physical sizes.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
Don't just buy one fuse. Buy a package of varying fuse values. One never knows when we might need a replacement.
Also, those lights are quite useless in daylight, and you still need a "drop-light" when working in the garage, or darkness.
If you still feel the need for having the lights "work" (to keep an eye on your custom litter box?), you might consider installing a switch. 12V switches are available at all auto parts houses, Radio Shack, etc., for about $4.
Just cut one wire leading to the fuse holder, splice in your switch, and attach it to one the existing screws nearby. You will still need a fuse with a switch.
You have either been serving a 20 year sentence for insider trading, or you have been driving very reliable vehicles. :cheers:
Also, those lights are quite useless in daylight, and you still need a "drop-light" when working in the garage, or darkness.
If you still feel the need for having the lights "work" (to keep an eye on your custom litter box?), you might consider installing a switch. 12V switches are available at all auto parts houses, Radio Shack, etc., for about $4.
Just cut one wire leading to the fuse holder, splice in your switch, and attach it to one the existing screws nearby. You will still need a fuse with a switch.
....the last time I messed around with auto fuses, Reagan was still in his first term and they all looked like little glass cylinders....... Is this some specialty item or has fuse design changed in the last twenty years?
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (Oldman)
Oldman wrote:
"If you still feel the need for having the lights "work" (to keep an eye on your custom litter box...?"
Actually, that custom litter box (wife's cats - she won't leave home without them) is installed in the cargo area and the courtesy lights are more than sufficient. I'm actually thinking of mounting a rack back there to hold the scooper and a plastic bag dispenser... :)
Oldman wrote:
"You have either been serving a 20 year sentence for insider trading, or you have been driving very reliable vehicles"
Hah! I wish I had some inside information. Lately, it seems like I'm the last guy to know what's going on (and I've got the P&S statements to prove it!). As for driving reliable vehicles, prior to moving to Florida and buying this latest Vette, I really wasn't driving ANY vehicle for about ten years (living in Manhattan and downtown Chicago, you don't need one) and it's been about twenty years since I was so broke I had to work on my own $200 wrecks (Beetles, Pintos, grandmother's hand-me-down Rambler, etc). However, if my trading keeps going like it has the last couple months, I'll be working on the Vette myself (and/or living in it!)... ;)
[Modified by tobijohn, 4:10 PM 8/1/2003]
"If you still feel the need for having the lights "work" (to keep an eye on your custom litter box...?"
Actually, that custom litter box (wife's cats - she won't leave home without them) is installed in the cargo area and the courtesy lights are more than sufficient. I'm actually thinking of mounting a rack back there to hold the scooper and a plastic bag dispenser... :)
Oldman wrote:
"You have either been serving a 20 year sentence for insider trading, or you have been driving very reliable vehicles"
Hah! I wish I had some inside information. Lately, it seems like I'm the last guy to know what's going on (and I've got the P&S statements to prove it!). As for driving reliable vehicles, prior to moving to Florida and buying this latest Vette, I really wasn't driving ANY vehicle for about ten years (living in Manhattan and downtown Chicago, you don't need one) and it's been about twenty years since I was so broke I had to work on my own $200 wrecks (Beetles, Pintos, grandmother's hand-me-down Rambler, etc). However, if my trading keeps going like it has the last couple months, I'll be working on the Vette myself (and/or living in it!)... ;)
[Modified by tobijohn, 4:10 PM 8/1/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
I really thought you were "putting us on" with the litter box mod. Knowing now that it really exists, you should submit it as a Tech Tip.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,654
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
It's a flat red colored fuse...I pop mine out at the track cause my hood is up between rounds...I remember to put it back in about half the time... :D ...btw, if the dealer forgot to put it back in just run over there and I'm sure he'll give you one free... :cheers:
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (Oldman)
Oldman wrote:
"I really thought you were "putting us on" with the litter box mod. Knowing now that it really exists, you should submit it as a Tech Tip."
I was - it's not there all the time, just for vacations and trips to the vet (although it does fit quite nicely back there... :) but boy, it's a pain getting cat prints off the console and dash, and tough getting loose litter out from the crevices in the seats... :)
"I really thought you were "putting us on" with the litter box mod. Knowing now that it really exists, you should submit it as a Tech Tip."
I was - it's not there all the time, just for vacations and trips to the vet (although it does fit quite nicely back there... :) but boy, it's a pain getting cat prints off the console and dash, and tough getting loose litter out from the crevices in the seats... :)
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (Fuzzy Dice)
Fuzzy Dice wrote:
"...btw, if the dealer forgot to put it back in just run over there and I'm sure he'll give you one free... "
Go back to THAT dealer? I'll just buy my own fuse, thank you very much...
"...btw, if the dealer forgot to put it back in just run over there and I'm sure he'll give you one free... "
Go back to THAT dealer? I'll just buy my own fuse, thank you very much...
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
... it's a pain getting cat prints off the console and dash, and tough getting loose litter out from the crevices in the seats... :)
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (Oldman)
Oldman wrote:
" don't know what the divorce laws are in Fla, but "they" get half in CA. It might be worth it."
Ahh, it's not so bad. What's really sucks is trying to get her gerbils out from underneath the seats... :)
" don't know what the divorce laws are in Fla, but "they" get half in CA. It might be worth it."
Ahh, it's not so bad. What's really sucks is trying to get her gerbils out from underneath the seats... :)
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
UPDATE:
I NOW know what the 10 amp inline fuse for the underhood lights look like. While trying to figure out why my windshield wipers are colliding (another post), I found it in that corner well on the driver's side front of the windshield - just where the mechanic who was working on the car left it. Brushed the grit off it, dried it and I'm sure it will be as good as new...
I NOW know what the 10 amp inline fuse for the underhood lights look like. While trying to figure out why my windshield wipers are colliding (another post), I found it in that corner well on the driver's side front of the windshield - just where the mechanic who was working on the car left it. Brushed the grit off it, dried it and I'm sure it will be as good as new...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (tobijohn)
Good find. Now you will appreciate how fuse technology has advanced from the glass to the blades. You might just place that fuse in the glove box or console, put the cap back on the fuse holder to keep out moisture, as you will soon realize how useless those lights are.
(still can't accept that litter box mod.....maybe if I knew your wife, I would understand)
:cheers:
[Modified by Oldman, 5:44 PM 8/5/2003]
(still can't accept that litter box mod.....maybe if I knew your wife, I would understand)
:cheers:
[Modified by Oldman, 5:44 PM 8/5/2003]
Thread Starter
Bench Racer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 15
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
St. Jude '03 thru 14,'25
Re: Question regarding inline fuse for underhood lights (Oldman)
Oldman wrote:
"You might just place that fuse in the glove box or console, put the cap back on the fuse holder to keep out moisture, as you will soon realize how useless those lights are."
Did, did and do... :)
Oldman wrote:
"still can't accept that litter box mod.....maybe if I knew your wife, I would understand"
Maybe if you saw my wife, you'd understand... ;)
BTW, Don, I see from your profile that you're daytrading. If you're doing your order entry via the internet, you might want to check out Interactive Brokers. I happen to be daytrading e-mini futures through them but they have excellent rates on equities and options. Here's the link: http://www.interactivebrokers.com
If you have any questions regarding, IM me so we don't get in any trouble for off-topic posts....
"You might just place that fuse in the glove box or console, put the cap back on the fuse holder to keep out moisture, as you will soon realize how useless those lights are."
Did, did and do... :)
Oldman wrote:
"still can't accept that litter box mod.....maybe if I knew your wife, I would understand"
Maybe if you saw my wife, you'd understand... ;)
BTW, Don, I see from your profile that you're daytrading. If you're doing your order entry via the internet, you might want to check out Interactive Brokers. I happen to be daytrading e-mini futures through them but they have excellent rates on equities and options. Here's the link: http://www.interactivebrokers.com
If you have any questions regarding, IM me so we don't get in any trouble for off-topic posts....
