Do fuses go bad with age?

[RickOTR]

As the title says, do they go bad with age. It seems at times some accessories work then they don't only to work again after I take them out and reinstall them. I've noticed that the metal contacts are getting darker with age, and cleaning them helps. Does anyone replace them on their vehicle as preventative maintenance?

 

[rasouth]

I never have changed fuses unless they are tripped. My concern would be why the contacts are becoming discolored. Possible over heating of contacts, wrong fuse amps. Depending on the accessories it could be a problem with the relays.
What accessories are you referring to that work and then don't work?

 

[RickOTR]

All the fuses in my X are the ones installed at the factory except the interior lights. This means they are around 25 years old. No problems with the electrical system, or relays as it has been checked and all have passed. Today the radio did not work but once I removed the fuse cleaned the contacts and reinstalled it the radio was working again.

 

[C420sailor]

Some do. Depends on the type and material of the fuse. The old motorcycles I like to restore and ride are notorious for the original main fuses deteriorating and cracking. They look fine until you remove it, then it crumbles in your hands.

Haven’t really seen that with modern blade fuses though. Not yet, anyway.

 

[RickOTR]

Just an update. Replacing all the fuses with new ones solved the problem. I guess they do go bad with age.

 

[JDFBear]

Ive replaced all mine. I worked at a auto recycler and would jsut go out and grab the fuses from a newer car. Im a little OCD and like all the fuses to look the same and be upright drives me crazy to see an upside down fuse LOL

 

[Mikey*TX]

The metal blades tend to oxidize over time, just as a penny will discolor with age.

My ex-wife had a similar issue .................