I recently found out about a TSB(technical service bulletin) from GM concerning the use of certain fuses....It ain't good news! 
Seems these fuses(the blade/spade type...not the glass ones) are not "popping" when they should...and when that happens all of the smoke comes out of the wires.
The TSB is # TSB 07-08-45-002
It states that they tested some of these fuses. The 15amp fuse wouldn't pop even when directly shorted across the battery terminals!
I have a copy of the bulletin that I can send out, if anyone is interested.
The fuses in this particular instance came from Harbor Freight & Tool.
What brought it to my attention was someone from one of my Trans Tech forums. He had a car that had no reverse lights. He found a bad fuse, and replaced it. When they started the car, and put it into reverse to check the lights, all of the smoke came out of the wires under the dash!

Anyway...just wanted to pass this along, and warn ya'll about buying the cheapest fuses you can find...in this case, it just ain't worth saving a few pennies.


Adams' Apple2009-12-18 21:10:26

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks Joel, Your on top of it as usual!

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Thanks Joel, I think I have.....had some of those fuses in the shop.  Just like most of the chinese built "stuff" we buy, mostly junk and I should have learned this by now!

Apparently, GM had at least two(in warranty) vehicles that the wiring harness had melted on due to the replacement fuses, which prompted the investigation to determine the cause. The bulletin describes the fuses as having NO white numbering(amp rating), or ANY identifying markings of any kind...just a plain-jane, plastic fuse. Scary stuff, folks!
Not to say that everything you buy from Harbor Freight is junk, but they DID have these fuses. The bulletin also says they did a "Recall" on them, but....how many are already out there, waiting to ruin someone's day...or life?
Caveat Emptor!


btw..just to be clear...Harbor Freight is NOT the only place selling these fuses...there are other places too...I'll be glad to e-mail the TSB to anyone that would like to see the complete info on it. Just P/M me.
Adams' Apple2009-12-19 16:45:12

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Good Info there bro..... thnxz for the heads up!

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Thanks, Joel.  I've bought quite a few tools, etc. from Harbor Freight and I know their stuff isn't top quality, but most is just fine for weekenders like me.  Just be careful what you get, like those fuses. 

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Thanks for the info Joel. Sarge812009-12-20 09:25:31

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

Hi Sarge !!  Yup, took me awhile to find the problem in my "great white shark"  But I did!!

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[QUOTE=dskopp]Hi Sarge !!  Yup, took me awhile to find the problem in my "great white shark"  But I did!![/QUOTE]  Long time no see. Glad you figured out your electrical problem. These last 2 years of the "shark" bodied vettes have a tad bit more wiring in them then previous years. Making our lives a bit more complicated when electrical issues arise.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

Hey Sarge, good to hear from ya. I still like yer hood!!!  LukesVette2009-12-24 12:57:08

I have ran into several of these fuses.   My students want to but the cheap stuff to save money.  We had a 20 amp rated fuse pulling over 80 amps and would not blow.   I have seen several that melted the fuses plastic, but it didn't blow.    Be carefull.