Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 942

REPAIR P R O C E D U R E S
" ^ 8
Fusible Links
In addition to circuit breakers and fuses,
some circuits use fusible links to protect the
wiring. Like fuses, fusible links are "one time"
protection devices that will melt and create an
open circuit (see Figure 3).
Not all fusible link open circuits can be
detected by observation. Always inspect that
there is Battery voltage past the fusible link to
verify continuity.
Fusible links are used instead of a fuse in
wiring circuits that are not normally fused,
such as the ignition circuit. Each fusible link is
four wire-gauge sizes smaller than the cable it
is designed to protect. Links are marked on the
insulation with wire-gauge size because the
heavy insulation makes the link appear to be a
heavier gauge than it actually is. The same
wire size fusible link must be used when replac-
ing a blown fusible link.
SPLICE
F U S I B L E L I N K B E F O R E S H O R T C I R C U I T
B R O K E N C I R C U I T
I N S I D E I N S U L A T I O N
F U S I B L E L I N K A F T E R S H O R T C I R C U I T
Fusible links are available with two types of
insulation: Hypal o n® and Silicone/GXL (SIL/
GXL). Service fusible links made with SIL/
GXL may be used to replace either Hypalon"
or SIL/GXL fusible links. Service fusible links
made with Hypalon" may only be used to
replace Hypalon" fusible links. To determine
the fusible link type: nick the insulation of the
blown fusible link with a knife. SIL/GXL will
have a white inner core under the outer color.
Hypalon
R
insulation is one color. Service fusi-
ble links are available in many lengths. Choose
the shortest length that is suitable. If the fusi-
ble link is to be cut from a spool, NEVER make
a fusible link longer than 228 mm (9 in).
C A U T I O N :
Fusible links cut longer than
228 mm (9 in) will not provide sufficient
overload protection.
To replace a damaged fusible link, cut it off
beyond the splice. Replace with a repair link.
When connecting the repair link, strip wire
and use staking-type pliers to crimp the splice
securely in two places (see Figure 4). For more
details on splicing procedures see Splicing
Copper Wire.
Figure
3 - Good And
Damaged Fusible
Links