Hyundai and Kia vehicles massively use the multi-fuses for very important functions of their cars. This is the solution to save some cents while manufacturing a car and to add some pain in the neck to all high-mileage car owners with electrical problems popping up from time to time.
To replace the multi-fuse in a Hyundai or Kia car, you will need to take apart the fuse box, pull out the multi-fuse, and install the new one. The procedure is DIY but there is one problem - it's hard to properly check the fuse and verify it's blown.
In this short article, I will explain to you how you replace the fuse and when it may be necessary!
I also posted the article about pulling fuses without fuse pullers - you may want to have a look!
Where's the multi-fuse located in Hyundai cars?
It's located in the engine bay fuse box and it has several important functions. It may control a bunch of things that will affect the way your car works. I mean, if the multi-fuse (or also the main fuse as Hyundai calls it) is blown, you will not be able to drive the car.
In different models, it powers different units. But anyway, the multi-fuse is super important for the drivability of your Hyundai vehicle.
So, this is the plastic bar with two contacts on its ends that are fastened with two 10-mm nuts. The copper contacts are bent to fasten the main fuse to the fuse box and avoid the multi-fuse jumping out of its place.
Removing the multi-fuse in a Hyundai car
To remove the multi-fuse in recent generations of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, you will need to do the following:
- disconnect the negative cable on the battery and make sure it won't touch the terminal by chance;
- open the fuse box lid and locate the main fuse - now, when you know how it looks, it won't be that hard;
- unscrew those two nuts that hold the fuse in its place;
- now wiggle the multi-fuse a little and pull it up to get it out of the fuse box - this may require some effort;
- install the new multi-fuse but make sure you are installing the proper type of equipment with exactly the same specs as the OEM part.
After that, you need to fasten the nuts, close the fuse box, connect the battery terminal back, and check if the problems are gone.
What does the multi-fuse control in your Hyundai?
I checked the 2020 Tucson to get this information and here's what the multi-fuse controls in this vehicle:
- electric power steering;
- ESP and ABS units;
- ignition and key detection system;
- some smart functions I couldn't verify in the fuse map.
So, obviously, you will not be able to start and drive the car if the multi-fuse is broken. Also, a huge problem with this fuse is that if one single part of it dies, you will need to replace it entirely.
Also, many Hyundai owners ask if one broken part of the fuse will affect all other parts of the multi-fuse. The answer is no, it won't. If the power steering fuse is broken, the ignition system should be still working fine. And this is one more interesting thing that adds problems when diagnosing this vehicle.
By the way, I've posted the article about which fuses can stop the car from starting - you may want to have a look!
What's the problem with checking the main fuse?
It's commonly believed that you can just use the two copper contacts on the sides of the main fuse in a Hyundai car to check whether or not the fuse is broken. But it's not correct. Each fuse has a dedicated pair of contacts in the multi-fuse, so if one is broken, it doesn't mean that all of the fuses won't work.
So, to check the multi-fuse in Hyundai and Kia cars, you need to take it out and understand which leg corresponds to which fuse. This is pretty hard and not intuitive at all. So, in most cases, it's easier to just get the new OEM fuse and install it.
Please be careful! Hyundai has a lot of models of multi-fuses for different cars. It means that you may have problems trying to buy it online. Use your VIN code to choose the proper part. Otherwise, the fuse you bought may not be compatible with your vehicle.
Why may the multi-fuse be broken?
Usually, it lives as long as the car. However, some problems may pop up when there are some modifications to your vehicle or when water gets inside the fuse box. In this case, some contacts may get rusted and lose the properties they need to transmit power.
Also, problems may appear when there are issues with the units that are controlled by the main fuse. For example, if the power steering is faulty, it may develop some issues with the power supply and the fuse will be blown.
Alternatively, the power supply issues caused by the alternator, battery, or voltage regulator may be the reasons for your problem. So, if after replacing the main fuse in your Hyundai you still experience problems, it may mean that a deeper inspection is needed.
In this case, I strongly recommend going to the dealership as they have the proper equipment for testing the electrical system in your car.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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