a fuse is a fuse (or are they?)

captain.bob · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2005, 09:47 PM

This may have a simple answer but it's starting to bug me ! I have what at first glance look like mini-blade fuses in my 2005 Tacoma. I went to get a fuse tap and bought a "mini fuse tap" at one of the local auto supply stores....well it was too BIG ! At close examination these fuses ar "smaller" than the mini-blade fuses.

I have searched high and low (AutoZone, CAPS, PepBoys, VIP, etc, etc, etc) and nobody behind the counter knows what I am showing them (I take a spare fuse into the store with me) until I tell them it's for a new Toyota Tacoma...then I get "we don't have those yet" !

Am I missing something I can't even find this fuse on the internet ????

Anybody know what the designation is for this tiny version of a mini-blade fuse ???? They are NOT ATC/ATO, Standard Blade or Mini-Blade !

Anybody know where I can get replacement fuses and a "fuse tap" that fits these fuses ???

Johnny Law · #2 (**permalink**) 11-24-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain.bob

Anybody know where I can get replacement fuses and a "fuse tap" that fits these fuses ???

I'd say if you blow a fuse, your gonna have to go to the Toyota parts counter to get the right size. I don't know about the tap, but I doubt that Toyota endorses tapping off the fuse block to obtain power, so getting one from the dealer is prob. out.

MERCULA · #3 (**permalink**) 11-24-2005, 10:31 PM

A normal mini will fit fine , but it will stick out further ,Im using one as a temp fix until I buy some from toyota .

captain.bob · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MERCULA

A normal mini will fit fine , but it will stick out further ,Im using one as a temp fix until I buy some from toyota .

That's what I wanted to hear. I suspected as much ! THANKS !

You would think someone at a parts counter would know this ?

MERCULA · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 07:53 AM

Most likely ........NO .

captain.bob · #6 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 06:35 PM

Thanks Mercula.....bought a package of "mini-blade" fuses. You are right they fit the fuse block fine but stick out quite a bit, while the Toyota fuses are flush with the fuse block when inserted. THIS WILL WORK !!!!!! Good thing to know when you're on the road and blow a fuse after the dealerships (parts counter) are closed !!!! Can always find something open that might stock a few emergency "mini-blades".

THANKS I got my answer again at TUNDRA SOLUTIONS ............

captain.bob · #7 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 06:51 PM

for the help !

MERCULA · #8 (**permalink**) 11-25-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain.bob

THANKS I got my answer again at TUNDRA SOLUTIONS ............

This sounds like an infomercial

No prob man , Its few and far between when im actually helping.

cduncanf · #9 (**permalink**) 11-26-2005, 08:39 PM

If you haven't been able to get this to work yet, I suggest just buying a run of the mill male crimp on spade connector. (I think i'm describing it correctly). I think it was a little wide for the Taco fuse socket, so i just cut it down to the right width with a pair of wire cutters. I connected it to an unused fuse socket that was switched off the ignition. There was a fuse inline on the device I was wiring in and it worked fine. Good luck.
Duncan

mikeg281 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MERCULA

A normal mini will fit fine , but it will stick out further ,Im using one as a temp fix until I buy some from toyota .

Curious, if the mini fits fine why replace it? Just because it's sticking up a little higher? I mean the box is covered and the hood is shut.

Mike

MERCULA · #11 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:34 AM

No real reason , But I can get them from toyota for next to nothing. Thats if I really ever get around to it. Ill most likely forget .

captain.bob · #12 (**permalink**) 11-27-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg281

Curious, if the mini fits fine why replace it? Just because it's sticking up a little higher? I mean the box is covered and the hood is shut.

Mike

I AGREE !

The issue was....I needed a replacement fuse and was also looking for a "fuse tap"....I took the Toyota (I'll call it a micro-blade) Fuse to 5 different auto supply stores and nobody new what it was or could offer a solution, except "you will have to get your replacements from Toyota" !

Solution is the standard "mini-blade fuses" do seem to fit the fuse block. BUT to make certain everyone is clear they do "stick-up" higher than the micro-blade fuses. NO PROBLEMS that I can see in either the engine compartment MAIN FUSE box or the small fuse panel in the cab on the drivers side (this is where I wanted to make my "tap" off the accessoriy fuse).

SIMPLE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION....for now I don't see any problem with using mini-blade fuses and the fuse taps are readily available for mini's.

If I did this correctly you should see some attachements of the fuses and taps.