what happens if your car takes a 20 volt fuse for the cigg lighter and i put a 30 volt in?

Question

also i looked and it is the correct fuse it is just that when i put a new one in and then use the ciggerette lighter it blows the fuse out completley, but if i use say a charger for a gps unit it doesnt blow but if i use the charger for a cell phone it does blow out? i am so confused

Answer 1

Kate,

The fuses are all 12V it is the amperge rating that is 20A or 30A that you are talking about. Now that that is clear, only replace the fuse with one that has the correct rating. If the fuse blows, then you need to find the problem and get it fixed.

From what you've said, I would think that the cigarette lighter has a short in it somewhere. You will need to replace it, and also check the wiring around the lighter, in case you have skinned the insulation on the wire and it is going to ground when you use the lighter.

If it calls for a 20A fuse then put one in and then try the cigarette lighter, if it blows the fuse, then unhook the wire from the terminal and replace the fuse again. If it doesn't blow then the wire is good and the lighter assembly is bad.

Good luck with this, luckily it is not an expensive fix. Just annoying.

Answer 2

A fuse will be marked in amps. It is never a good thing to replace a fuse with one of a higher amperage.

The fuse is there to protect the wiring and sockets in the case of a problem like a short or something consuming more power than what it is designed for. If you replace with a "stronger fuse" the wiring can get damaged because the stronger fuse will allow more current to flow before it blows. There is even the possibilty of a fire.

Answer 3

It's a 25 amp fuse. Not 25 volt... More than likely nothing will happen... But it could burn out the wire in some cases. If you smell something burning like plastic then it was a bad thing.... If not then you're probably ok

Answer 4

Amps is how much "power" the equipment is drawing. If the Phone charger has a short it will blow the fuse. Installing a higher amp fuse might correct it from blowing but this in turn will cause the wiring to over heat and possibly melt the insulation causing a short or a fire. (in a worst case scenario)

Answer 5

If it's the correct fuse and it keeps blowing then there's something wrong with the device you're using or with the socket in the dash. Since the one charger doesn't blow a fuse I'd say there's probably something wrong with your lighter cartridge and the cell phone charger. If you overfuse the socket you're taking a chance on burning up the wiring to the socket.

Answer 6

you may have a short in the lighter socket causing this to happen,certain plugs will draw more amps also,you should never have to use a larger amp fuse in it,if you do this,it means it can over heat the wires and burn them out,so be careful,using a larger fuse can be dangerous,id try replacing the whole lighter assembly,their not that expensive,only around 8 bucks at any parts store,and any shop should install it for you for around 15 bucks,id try that ,like i said be really careful using over sized fuses in it,good luck hope this helps.

Answer 7

Nothing much, unless you get a 'short`.
Then you can start a fire.
There's trouble in the lighter socket if fuses are blowing as you describe.
Fix the problem, don't add new ones.

Answer 8

Using a larger amp fuse than is recommended could cause wires to overheat leading to big problems. If an electrical device pulls more amps than the system is designed for, it will blow a fuse.

Answer 9

The cigarette lighter has a short in it! You can get a replacement at most auto supply stores!

Hint: Bring in the old one with you to match up the size.

Answer 10

if you have an electrical fault aand you put a larger capacity fuse yo are asking for your car to set on fire.
Its dangerous dont do it....
Ok you have a bad cigarette lighter ... its shorting or geting stuck in causin gth eover heat... these arnt expensive to replace... only a few dollars.... cheaper than a new car....