A fuse is a safety device designed to protect the wiring and components in your vehicle's electrical system from excessive current. A 20-amp fuse blows when the current exceeds 20 amps, indicating a short circuit or a significant overload somewhere in the circuit. Using a higher-amperage fuse will prevent the fuse from blowing, but it won't address the underlying problem. The excess current will continue to flow, potentially causing:
* Wiring overheating and fire: This is the most serious risk. Overheated wires can melt insulation and ignite, leading to a vehicle fire.
* Damage to the rear wiper motor: The motor might be drawing too much current due to a mechanical problem (e.g., seized motor) or a short in the wiring. A larger fuse won't protect it from damage.
* Damage to the airbag system: This is especially critical. Damage to the airbag system could render it ineffective or even cause it to malfunction and deploy unexpectedly, leading to injury. The airbag system is very sensitive to voltage and current fluctuations.
Instead of replacing the fuse with a higher amperage one, you need to find and fix the problem causing the fuse to blow. This likely involves:
1. Inspecting the rear wiper motor and wiring: Look for any signs of damage, shorts, or corrosion.
2. Inspecting the airbag system wiring: This is more complex and should ideally be done by a qualified mechanic. The airbag system is extremely sensitive and improper handling could result in serious injury.
3. Testing the circuits: Using a multimeter, you can check the current draw of both the rear wiper and airbag system circuits to identify the source of the overload.
The fact that both the rear wiper and airbag systems share the same fuse is unusual and points to a wiring issue. Do not attempt any repairs to the airbag system yourself. Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or auto electrician to diagnose and repair the problem. Ignoring this could have serious consequences.
