Mini fuses.. Am I just stupid?

Okay, so.. I've never seen a fuse box so damn jam packed of mini fuses.. I can barely fit anything in between each fuse and I feel like they're glued in there. I've bought and tried a couple "mini fuse pullers" and maybe I'm just an idiot and am not getting the right kind but nothing seems to work. I'm sure part of my problem are my aging eyes and the tight and awkward space to get under the dash, but holy hell. It didn't used to be this hard.

Can anyone point me to a tool they know can actually go in and grab those things and pull them out without the struggle?

 

^There's a nice fuse puller clipped under the lid of the fusebox under the hood.

Needle nose pliers work too, but tend to dig into the fuse's plastic.

 

It's not you. They (mini fuses: the smallest ones) have their own puller, that's also tiny, but they are still a !#^!#$ (x2) to remove: even the ones under the hood. My suggestion is to practice on the under-hood ones and then move to the ones under the dash and try those. My eyes aren't the "Eagle-issue" ones I had back in the day, but my glasses aren't "Coke bottles" either and they still let me fly.

Try pushing the tool directly down on the fuse without squeezing the end with your fingers. It should spread and "click" on and hold itself. Then move your fingers to the sides of the tool so you can't squeeze it, and pull straight up. It should come right out. A bright headlamp helps. Hope this makes sense. I have a tiny pair of needle nose pliers that would also work, but I haven't had to or wouldn't use those unless I disconnected the negative cable. Good luck!

 

I think it is just the position hard to see and your finger strength may no longer be what it was.

I have no problems yet. Using the enclosed tool with the truck

 

There absolutely is a wrong tool for the job.
It called needle nose pliers.
Yes, I’ve used them. Yes, I’ve damaged a few when being overzealous.
But they work.

 

Not all needle pliers are the same some have the ends so thick they are not going to fit.

I adjusted a pair just for this job I also did grind the inside smooth as well.

 

The “jewels” ones work great.
But……the noses can break when you use them on “bigger stuff”. (I a guy that broke a pair)

 

Yeh, the second problem is that I bought the Tacoma from someone that installed the genesis double battery kit so I have to take that apart/loosen cables to get to the under-the-hood fuse box. So if there's a mini fuse tool in there I haven't gotten to it yet. I was going to start with the one inside the cab as my windshield wiper fluid pump isn't turning on -- same with the BSM. It seemed easier.. I guess things aren't always as they seem. ha

 

A test light on either side of the fuse is easier.
Don’t use an LED type though. They can lie.

 

I would check for voltage at the pump unless the wipers do not work either.

I have changed many windshield washer pumps over the years.

I tend to keep on around they tend to fail when you really need them.

 

Yeh, the ones I have barely fit in, but don't have the grip needed to pull it out.

 

That a good idea.
But some of the are under the cowling and a pain to get to.
I’m going to pull some diagrams and see what’s easiest to start with.

OP, give me a few minutes.

 

Is BSM - Blind Spot Monitoring?

 

Yep! Fuses are usually the first place I start for these kind of issues as I've been "burnt" (pun intended) by that before.

 

maybe a store is handy to buy a fuse puller

 

I use a test light for fuse checking, I never pull them to check.

Key on blast through.

 

Do you have check engine light one?
Just curious, as the BSM has its own set of diagnostic trouble codes.

 

No. I just turn it on and nothing happens regardless of whether there's something in my blind spot.

 

When you cycle it does the warning sound and the mirror lights come on for a second?

 

Nope. I get no BSM indicator lights anywhere. Just an empty button.