CarFusebox

Why Do I Need a Blocking Diode on My Solar Panel? Blocking diodes in photovoltaic systems serve two functions. They can prevent batteries from draining at night, and can isolate damaged or under-performing solar cells. The latter can be solved with either a blocking or a bypassing diode. Function A diode is a semiconductor device, a one-way valve for electricity. Diodes are rated in the maximum current they can pass through while on and the maximum voltage they can block when off. When the correct conditions are met, the diode will stop current from flowing. Shaded Panels Solar panels contain several solar cells wired together in series. If part of the panel is shaded, all of the cells become less efficient. Bypass Diodes A blocking diode in the panel "averages out" any shaded cells. The diode allows the loss of voltage from a shaded cell to be shared among the others, so that the panel functions more normally. Battery Drain At night, dusk and dawn, the b...

How to Change a Car Circuit Breaker Many of the circuits in today's car and trucks are protected by a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker comes in three different types--plug-in, inline and tab-mounted. While the failure of a circuit breaker is rare, replacement is sometimes necessary, and is a task easily handled by the car owner. Things You'll Need Replacement circuit breaker Instructions Check your owner's manual for the location of the circuit breaker which protects the problem circuit. Modern vehicles have as many as three electrical distribution panels making finding a failed circuit breaker very difficult without the manual. Determine the type of breaker. A plug-in breaker will be inside a power distribution panel, while a tab-mounted breaker will be attached to the vehicle with a rivet or screw, and an inline breaker will be installed along the wire. Grasp a plug-in breaker firmly and gently pull it directly away from the panel ...

How to Replace a Car Fuse Relay Box An automotive fuse box, sometimes called the circuit panel box or fuse block, has the unique function of protecting every electrical circuit in the vehicle. These circuits include all the engine, transmission, suspension and brake component sensors, the main computer and all the many accessories and components in the electrical system. Blown relays and fuses can be a relatively easy fix, but when the relays and fuses check out and the components test good, the main fuse panel box can be the culprit. The automotive DIY repair person can change out his fuse box by following some simple steps and using a few basic tools. Things You'll Need Owner's repair manual Socket set (1/4-inch) Ratchet wrench Socket extension (1/4-inch) Rags Masking tape Felt pen Screwdrivers Instructions Place the car or truck in park or neutral, according to your transmission type. Set the emergency brake. Use a socket and wrench to disconnect the negati...

How to Fix a Faulty Car Fuse Fuses protect your car from electrical short circuits and power overloads that can damage equipment or start a fire. Often, a fuse will blow due to a momentary overload, and replacing the bad fuse as directed below will fix the problem (a car's horn or interior lights may cease to work, for example). If a fuse blows repeatedly, it indicates an electrical problem that will require a trip to your mechanic. Instructions Things You'll Need Fuse Puller Or Needlenose Pliers New Fuse (same Amperage And Type As The One You Are Replacing) 1 Find the fuse box (see A). It is usually located under the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, at about knee level. Many cars have additional fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Check your owner's manual or call the dealer for the exact location(s). 2 Open the fuse box cover and locate the blown fuse. There are two ways to find the bad fuse: Look for a fuse with a mel...

How to Remove Car Fuses Advancements in motor vehicle safety have rocketed, and the fuse has been a consistent feature through the decades. Electrical systems and accessories are protected by the fuse's design to fail in the event of an electrical short or overload. Other times, the fuse just gives out and you may find yourself without working wipers, lights, horn or heat. Armed with a little knowledge, a tool and a spare fuse, you can be back to full power in minutes. Things You'll Need Owner's manual Safety glasses Flashlight Small pliers Fuse puller Fuses Instructions Consult your owner's manual. It will inform you of the location of the fuse box, the type of fuse, its amperage and the electrical components associated to it. On newer models, the fuses will be small, plastic two-pronged tabs plugged into a slot. They will be red, green, blue or yellow depending on the amperage. Amps are marked on the panel and corresponding fuses, and ge...

What Is the SBA Fuse for in a 2003 Chevy Silverado? The 2003 Chevrolet Silverado is a member of the first generation of Chevy’s full-size pick-up line that replaced the C and K models. It is also the counterpart to GMC’s Sierra. The two truck lines closely resemble each other and share many parts, which lowered design, inventory, and acquisition costs. This generation lasted eight years, introducing many model, trim and engine options. These options include the 1500, 2500, 3500, Heavy Duty, Super Sport and Denali with multiple gasoline and diesel powerplants available. SBA Fuse The 15-amp SBA fuse in your underhood fuse box is for the Supplemental Brake Assist system. This indicates that your truck has vacuum assisted power braking technology. The Supplement Brake Assist system supplies additional vacuum power to the vacuum assisted power brakes when the engine’s vacuum is diminished. This is accomplished by starting a small motor which generates the additional vacuum power. Whe...