How do you know which fuse is which?

kirmag, Jun 7, 10:37pm
Or if it's even a fuse fault!My reverse lights arn't working but the bulbs arn't blown.Could this be a fuse problem!

hopie, Jun 7, 10:51pm
if you dont have a test light, use some pliers and pull and replace them one at a time. If the metel horse shoe within the fuse is broken, then replace it with the same amp (colour) fuse. Most cars have a diagram on the inside of the fuse cover. Google is also a good place to find out which is which.

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 7, 10:59pm
Could be. It could also be a switch fault. But only on a blue car.

pauldw, Jun 7, 11:01pm
Are the reverse lights the only things not working! If so it might be more likely to be the switch. For example on my car the reverse light fuse also feeds the aircon controls.

kirmag, Jun 7, 11:08pm
Yes it's just the reverse lights.

Hmmm will have to take it in for someone to look at, cos all that above confuses me. warrant is due now tho and just found out they weren't working. oh dear!

kirmag, Jun 7, 11:13pm
Hmmm ok and next girly question - do I take it to a machanic or can only auto electricians do that kinda stuff!

TIA

richardmayes, Jun 7, 11:19pm
You don't need to pay sombody hard-earned money to find out if you have a blown fuse or not.

Pull out the first fuse. Look at it.

Inside the plastic body of the fuse there should be an S-shaped thread of metal joining the two large metal terminals of the fuse together. If the thread is intact, the fuse is ok. If there is a break in it, the fuse has blown.

Replace the fuse, and look at the next one.

Keep going until you have verified that all the fuses are intact.

This may be of some help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuse_%28automotive%29

kirmag, Jun 7, 11:22pm
Thanks richard!

Will have a go at it.

carmedic, Jun 7, 11:25pm
They dont need to work to pass your WoF.

richardmayes, Jun 7, 11:29pm
Just remember that sometimes fuses blow because there is an electrical fault somewhere in the car that is drawing an abnormally high current through the circuit.

So sometimes it is "just a blown fuse" and sometimes the blown fuse is a symptom of a more serious problem that does require an auto electrician.
If you replace a blown fuse, and some time later the new fuse blows too, that is a sign you have a persistent problem and you need to get your car looked at!

kirmag, Jun 8, 12:50am
they dont!for real!I thought they tested all lights.

And thanks again Richard for that info.

kirmag, Jun 8, 2:00am
bump - where did carmedic go. are you just having me on!

bellky, Jun 8, 2:44am
Why do they always check that then. (I'm talking VTNZ mostly here)

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:33am
No, he's not. They are not required to work for a WoF.

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:33am
You really need to ask!

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:36am
Here's the relevant page of the VIRM.
http://db.tt/RiWwn6vi

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:36am
Really!

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:39am
I feel it's more important that reversing lamps work, than fitted fog lamps don't. Yet strangely the NZTA believes the opposite.

bellky, Jun 8, 3:40am
Thanks - I was in the process of looking it up.

Yep, you're right. Strange rules imo.

"Reasons for rejection:
Permitted equipment
1. A vehicle is fitted with more than two reversing lamps at
the rear of the vehicle.
2. A retrofitted pair of reversing lamps is not:
a) symmetrically mounted, or
b) mounted as far towards each side of the vehicle as is
practicable.
Condition
3. A lamp is insecure, obscured or contains visible
moisture or dirt.
4. A lens is missing, or has a hole, crack or other damage
that allows moisture or dirt to enter.
5. A reflector is damaged or has deteriorated so that light
output is reduced.
Performance
6. A lamp controlled by gear engagement continues to
display a light to the rear when the reverse gear is
disengaged.
7. A lamp controlled by a manual switch continues to
display a light to the rear while the headlamps are
switched on.
8. When engaged, a lamp emits light that is not:
a) substantially white (Note 3), or
b) steady, or
c) diffuse or a dipped beam.
9. Where a lamp comprises an array of light sources
(eg LEDs), fewer than 75% of these operate."

tonyrockyhorror, Jun 8, 3:46am
I don't read it that way - I see no specific reason for rejection if only one lamp operates.

carmedic, Jun 8, 4:49am
I went to a local WoF AVI training evening run by the MTA with NZTA Transport Officers present recently; a full 10 mins was spent debating this very point.
I was right then and still am now. Reverse lights do NOT need to work for a WoF.

les6, Jun 8, 5:24am
I think your right carmedic because I got one without them going and the wof bloke told me they were not working.if kirimag drives a primera,check the cable that goes into the bootlid,they seem to wear alot with the opening and closing of the boot and breakoff.

kirmag, Jun 10, 8:27pm
Thanks for the info carmedic and tony. saw this early Saturday morning and rushed off to get my warrant. which I did get with reverse lights not working. not to get them going this week.

mugenb20b, Jun 11, 12:40am
In a nut shell, reverse lights must NOT GO when the vehicle is moving forward.

Reverse lights are not required to work to pass a WoF.