I decided to remove the original Volvo AM radio from the 1980 242 and replace it with an aftermarket AM/FM unit c. mid 90's.

I notice both radios have an in-line fuse in the +12V wire. There was a 2A fuse in the original and 3A in the replacement.

The radio is on fuse # 1 of the fuse block. The other items protected by # 1 are the tailgate wiper, heated mirrors, and the power antenna, none of which are present on this car. That leaves the lighter, which I don't use.

Can I bypass the in-line fuse, since it would be a bear to replace, or should I leave it alone?

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A little while later...

Upon reflection, I believe I must retain the in-line fuse. Unless I could come up with a three amp fuse for the regular fuse slot and never put anything else on that one.

5A is as close as I could get.

In several years of using both of these radios I have never had that in-line fuse blow. So I guess it shouldn't be too much of a problem


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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

I'd relocate the inline fuse.

If you replaced the one in the panel with a 5 (or 3 for that matter) - a helpful (and well intentioned) mechanic who is working on your car for another reason might replace the 5a with what is called for in the Volvo specs - putting you in a position for a really bad fire.


Car Fires are no fun!

Just my opinion
Charles

Good suggestion but it will have to wait. I'm preparing the car for travel and I still have a few other small chores to perform.

But the radio is in place (with it's 3A in-line fuse). And it works.

BTW, no mechanic, no matter how well intentioned, is getting anywhere near either of my cars.

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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon

Replace the #1 fuse with a 3A fuse (if available), or relocate the inline fuse in an area you can get to easily. If I recall correctly, the #1 fuse uses a 15A which would result in one potentially large in-dash fire if your new / old radio shorted out and the in-line 3A fuse was missing!

jorrell
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92 245 315K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

It's 8A. But your point is well taken.


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'80 DL 2 door, '89 DL Wagon