How to Replace a Subwoofer Fuse

Driving your subwoofer loud and hard can usually cause your subwoofer fuse to burn out. Most of the time, when you sub conks out, you don’t have to bring it to your local audio repairman to get it fixed. Instead, a few simple steps of changing the fuse is all that you need to follow. This will save you a lot of time and money and give you the satisfaction of fixing a simple problem yourself.

Step 1: Troubleshoot the System

Before even replacing a subwoofer fuse, make sure that it is actually the source of your dilemma. Check all connections first, including the battery, speaker wirings and radio. Try to make the subwoofer work normally. If it doesn’t want to work, grab the owner’s manual and read through it to determine where the fuse is located.

Step 2: Locate the Fuse

In order to replace the subwoofer fuse, you naturally have to find it first. It is usually found along the wires of the subwoofer, near or within the speaker dome itself. It could also be found on the dedicated amplifier of the subwoofer.

Step 3: Determine the Type of Fuse

There are two kinds of fuses that you have to expect. One is the usual tube-type fuse, which is about an inch long. This can be found between two connecting wires that should be enclosed in a holder. The other type of fuse is a flat, square, plug-in type. This can also be found at a similar location.

Step 4: Disconnect the Power

When dealing with electrical components, be sure to kill the power before you attempt to change the subwoofer fuse. This can be done by simply disconnecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery by using the wrenches. This ensures that no electrical current will be passing through the system at any time while you’re working. Keeping the system wired and live may cause electric shock and could injure you badly. It may also short-circuit the system and do more damage.

Step 5: Remove the Old Fuse

Now that you have found and determined what kind of fuse you are dealing with, remove the old fuse by either twisting the housing in order to get it open and free the fuse, or simply pull it apart to expose it. Once the fuse is exposed, simply pull it out. Don’t be afraid to use a little force because it tends to be very snug sometimes. Nonetheless, don’t pull so hard that you’ll destroy your wiring and the housing.

Step 6: Replace the Fuse

Once you’ve gotten the old subwoofer fuse out, carefully put in the new fuse in the correct position. Make sure that the amperage is correct because using a higher one will damage your subwoofer. Once it’s in place, screw or snap the protective housing back, covering the fuse.

Step 7: Test the System

Now that you’ve changed the fuse, it’s time to see if it worked. Hook up the battery and turn on your radio. Play a tune with sufficient bass to check if the subwoofer works and if you attached the subwoofer fuse correctly.