Damage with the transmission fuses is no longer strange to numerous drivers, but amateurs may struggle to figure out the roots of this problem.
So what are blown transmission fuse symptoms? What are the underlying culprits behind the issue? How to solve it effectively?
These questions will be unraveled in this post. Keep scrolling down for further information!
About The Transmission Fuse
To understand this term, you need to acknowledge the fuse’s meaning.
It is a small device or wire inside your automobile’s electrical equipment that breaks and stops the electricity current if the level surpasses a standard threshold.
In other words, a fuse acts as a wonderful protection for your car’s engines from the high surge of electricity.
A transmission fuse has the same function as others, yet it will be placed in the transmission system, preventing related gears from shortcuts or fire risks.
And to find it, you need to look for a big black plastic box inside the engine bay called the fuse box. This box covers transmission fuses and also protects them from external damage.
Normally, fuses are often attached to a transmission shift solenoid, which works with 12V of power, so you should locate this part of your vehicle.
If you cannot pinpoint its location, check the manufacturer’s manual because each car model might have different design styles.
What Are Blown Transmission Fuse Symptoms?
You should notice three common symptoms of a blown transmission fuse, including the improper operation of transmission gears, delayed shifting, and loss of power.
Let’s check other signs!
Transmission Gears That Don’t Switch
A malfunctioning fuse is conducive to electricity overload, wreaking havoc on the transmission solenoid’s function.
In this case, it cannot supply enough power to other transmission parts, so they cannot switch or get down to work properly.
Delayed Or Erratic Shifting
Sometimes, you turn on the key but don’t notice any changes in your engine’s activation.
This huge delay, particularly when accelerating, is commonly attributed to the blown fuse, resulting in a bad transmission solenoid. Therefore, it cannot receive enough current of electricity on time.
Loss Of Power
Power overload is a serious consequence when your fuse goes wrong. If this scenario happens, engines in the transmission system must deal with an excessive level of electricity.
In the long run, their functions will degrade and no longer provide sufficient power for other vital components to run.
A Gap In The Wire
Under a few circumstances, blown transmission fuses stem from faulty wiring.
So if you notice a large hole on the wires’ surface, this could be a common sign showing that your fuse is susceptible to wear.
Strange Noises Coming From The Transmission
As mentioned earlier, a bad fuse induces the improper working of related engines in the transmission system.
They will likely produce unpleasant sounds like buzzing, whining, or humming noises. These sounds are more distinct, given a manual transmission.
Faulty Operation Of Lights
Lights, especially warning lights, need power to illuminate, and the electric current derives from the transmission system.
That’s why when your fuses fail, having repercussions for the transmission engines, followed by a failed working of your car’s lights.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Check engine lights will pop up when there is something wrong with your vehicle.
A damaged fuse delivers a signal to the transmission control module via the wiring network, and it will switch on the check engine light as a way of telling you about the potential problem.
Unresponsive Vehicle
Unlike delayed or erratic shifting, this symptom seems more serious because you cannot sense any car movements.
Fuses may be one of the main culprits in this situation, and your transmission system is badly affected.
Limp-In Mode
A limp-in mode, or simply limp mode, will be triggered if your automobile’s PCM detects any transmission failures, ranging from a blown fuse to a bad shift solenoid.
Activating a limp-in mode helps avert further wear and tear to the transmission while allowing some limited capacity to travel.
What Causes A Blown Transmission Fuse?
Here are the main contributors to this issue that are worth your consideration.
A Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when an electrical component draws a greater current than it is designed to handle, leading to its malfunction.
This problem is totally suited to the transmission fuse’s problem, as it is also prone to damage after tolerating a power overload.
Faulty Wiring
Bad wiring is another factor. When your vehicle’s wires are not good enough, the PCM cannot transmit electrical signals to the transmission fuse in an exact way, causing it not to work properly.
Primary causes of a faulty wire include corrosion and rusting.
The Incorrect Usage Of Amperage
Let’s say the manufacturer’s manual suggests the use of a 10-amp fuse, but you replace it with a fuse of 30 amperage.
The latter requires more current to ensure its stable working, resulting in the excess power needs.
Fuses have to operate at a greater intensity than normal. So they are more vulnerable to failure if this situation prolongs.
The Fuse’s Overusage
Sometimes, you equip your car with many accessories and extra devices, which all require a substantial amount of electricity to run.
The consequence is a surging need for power and the eventual overload issue, hence damaged fuses in the long term.
Corrosion
Corrosion is the underlying culprit behind several matters, such as wires’ defection or damage to fuses.
Corrosion is boiled down to the interaction between metal materials and water droplets in the air, rendering a deterioration of metals’ surface as well as properties.
A Faulty PCM
It is inadvisable to exclude a bad PCM, one of the primary causes of a blown fuse.
When your powertrain control module stops working, it cannot control the operation of other parts, including transmission fuses, vehicle speed sensors or engine load in an effective way.
Other Causes
- Defective switches
- A windshield wiper stuck under the ice
- Overheating
How To Find A Blown Transmission Fuse?
The process of identifying a blown transmission fuse is quite straightforward. First, you must stop your car and shut down its engines.
If it doesn’t go into park, the problem may be rooted in a faulty shifter mechanism. Then, you determine the position of the main fuse box.
It is normally in the driver’s side footwell that is underneath the dashboard or the hood, depending on each car model.
Subsequently, locate the bad transmission fuse with the help of a manufacturer’s fuse diagram that illustrates the position and respective names of different fuses.
In many cases, you don’t need to rely on the diagram because visual signs of damage, such as meltdown or burning, are easy to notice.
But to ascertain the result, use scan tools, like a multimeter and test light. Finally, pull the bad ones out by using a plier or asking reputable mechanics for help. Good luck!
How To Solve The Problem?
The following are viable remedies to each cause presented above, so you should notice them closely.
- If the problem lies in a short electrical circuit, you must locate the short in your line before exposing the shorted wires.
Then, replace them with new ones, and remember to purchase high-quality wires from a reliable automotive store.
- Suppose your vehicle’s wires are covered with rusting; you could use a specialized chemical sprayer to handle this issue.
Yet, it would be best to use new wiring. Don’t purchase fake products because they are notorious for bad quality.
- Avoid equipping your automobile with many devices or accessories that require much power.
- Opt for a single gear or automotive device of suitable amperage so the transmission engines work harmoniously with it to supply power.
- Check the engine control module carefully, and if you detect something abnormal, take it to a famous garage, and professional mechanics will check its overall condition.
- You should undertake maintenance services for your car after a certain number of miles or specific periods of time, such as every 6 months or 2 years, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cost Of Repairing A Bad Transmission Fuse?
The repair cost for your entire transmission fuse depends on several factors, such as its damage level and labor cost.
You must pay a few hundred to thousands of dollars for each necessary repair and replacement.
To lower this huge sum of money, you can buy fuses’ internal components beforehand because a service garage may offer higher prices.
Besides, if you have enough know-how and skills in the automotive aspect, you can totally undertake the repair procedure at home, so you can save lots of labor costs.
However, this practice is dangerous to amateurs and people who lack motor knowledge, so you should consider it.
Can I Drive With A Bad Transmission Fuse?
No.
Driving your car with a faulty transmission fuse increases the risk of damage to the gearbox. If this situation continues, further wear to the transmission fuses will be triggered, and you may pay more for its repair.
The Bottom Line
This article has unfolded much helpful information about the blown transmission fuse symptoms, coupled with its underlying causes and solutions.
I hope you will nail the task of checking your vehicle’s fuses and know how to address them effectively.