Accessing and replacing 80 amp PS fuse

[kcliss]

Hi y'all. I have a 2010 Mazda 5 with a blown power steering fuse. I have the replacement, and I know this fuse is attached by a couple of 10mm bolts (so can't be pulled like other fuses). But I can't work out how to do that. Has anyone had luck in accessing the bolts underneath? I've got the airbox removed, but can't seem to move farther than that. Thank for any help y'all can give.

 

[negusm]

Did you find out WHY the fuse blew? Fuses should never blow. If they do, there is another issue somewhere you need to fix first.

 

[negusm]

I little searching and to get to that fuse the fuse box needs to come apart and\or come out.

Also, it seems that 80Amp fuse generally won't blow before the Power Steering Pump fries itself. I'd pull the harness to the pump, and test the continuity of the fuse to make sure it truly is blown before you mess with the fuse box.

I can't see an 80Amp fuse ever blowing. I know the alternator is rated for 110A but good lord.

 

[kcliss]

Thanks, and yeah, I hate to admit this, but I installed the battery backwards. I've replaced the main fuse on the battery, along with a couple other minor fuses, and this is, I think, the final piece.

Also: the fuse is clearly blown. I popped the plastic lid off, and the metal connector is melted.

I can detach the full fuse box assembly from the car, though it doesn't go far do to the incoming cables; but can't figure how to separate the case from the box to access the PS fuse bolts.

 

[negusm]

You'll need the service manual for the car. I get mine off from Ebay. The service manual has about 20 pages of steps and diagrams to do this job.

 

[negusm]

I pulled the relevant section from mine. See attachment. Please get the service manual. You really can't work on modern cars without it. I know it says for 2013 but I think it's the same.

 

[kcliss]

Wow, thanks so much! Yes, I agree that the service manual is pretty much mandatory, especially for vehicle-specific repairs. I don't normally get this deep, but this is my son's car, and doesn't have much life left, so I'm trying to do what I can to keep it on the road.