Fuse Block: Description and Operation

Fig. 2 Fuseblock Module Location:

FUSE BLOCK
An electrical fuseblock module is concealed behind the driver side instrument panel end cap (Fig. 2), just rearward of the relay and fuse block. The fuse- block module serves to distribute electrical current to many of the accessory systems in the vehicle. The fuseblock module houses up to twenty blade-type mini fuses, up to two blade-type automatic resetting circuit breakers and an International Standards Organization (ISO) relay. Additional provisions are available in the fuseblock module for a second ISO relay and an ignition lamp time delay relay; however, these provisions are not used in this vehicle application.

The molded plastic fuseblock module housing has an integral mounting bracket that is secured with two screws to the left instrument panel end bracket. The driver side instrument panel end cap also serves as a snap-fit fuse access panel that can be removed for service of the fuseblock module and the relay and fuse block. A finger recess is molded into the end cap for easy removal. A fuse layout map is molded onto the back side of the end cap to ensure proper fuse identification.

The fuseblock module is integral to the instrument panel wire harness. If any internal circuit or the fuseblock module housing is faulty or damaged, the entire fuseblock module and instrument panel wire harness unit must be replaced.

All of the circuits entering and leaving the fuse- block module do so through the instrument panel wire harness. Internal connection of all of the fuse-block module circuits is accomplished by an intricate combination of hard wiring and bus bars.