Fuse Box - Engine Bay

Remove and replace the engine bay fuse box on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including disconnecting battery, removing mounting hardware, transferring or replacing fuse block assembly, and reconnecting electrical circuits.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuse box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Fuse assortment × 1 — AGC glass tube fuses, various amperage
• Wire terminal assortment × 1 — Ring and spade terminals as needed
• Electrical tape × 1 — 3M Scotch 33+

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
5. Take detailed photographs of fuse box location, wire routing, and connections from multiple angles
6. Prepare labels using masking tape and marker for each wire connection

Procedure

1. 1

   Document and label all connections
   Starting from the left side of the fuse box, carefully label each wire connection with masking tape indicating its position and circuit (e.g., 'F1-Headlights', 'F2-Ignition'). Use the fuse box cover diagram if available. Number each connection sequentially and create a written diagram showing wire colors and positions.
2. 2

   Remove fuse box cover
   Locate and remove the fuse box cover retaining screws or clips. On the 1970 Rebel Machine, the cover is typically secured with two Phillips head screws. Set cover and hardware aside in a clean container. Inspect all fuses and note their amperage ratings for proper replacement.
3. 3

   Remove all fuses
   Pull each fuse from its holder using needle-nose pliers if necessary. Keep fuses organized by position and verify amperage ratings match your documentation. Inspect each fuse for signs of failure or corrosion. Store reusable fuses in labeled order.
4. 4

   Disconnect primary wire harness
   Locate the main wire harness connector on the back or side of the fuse box. Carefully disconnect by releasing any locking tabs or clips. If individual spade terminals are used instead of a connector block, disconnect each wire one at a time, ensuring labels remain attached. Note wire routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect individual circuit wires
   Remove remaining individual circuit wires connected to fuse box terminals. These may include dedicated circuits for ignition, lighting, accessories, and gauges. Use needle-nose pliers to gently wiggle and pull ring or spade terminals straight off. Check terminals for corrosion or damage and replace as needed.
6. 6

   Remove fuse box mounting fasteners
   Locate the fuse box mounting bolts or screws securing it to the firewall or inner fender. Typically there are 2-3 mounting points on AMC fuse boxes. Remove fasteners using appropriate socket or wrench, supporting the fuse box to prevent it from falling. Keep all mounting hardware together.
7. 7

   Remove old fuse box assembly
   Carefully pull the fuse box away from its mounting location, checking for any additional wires or ground straps that may still be attached. Route the fuse box clear of surrounding components. Inspect the mounting surface on the firewall or fender for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new fuse box
   If installing a new fuse box, compare it directly to the old unit to verify all terminal positions and mounting holes match. Transfer any ground straps or brackets from old to new unit. Clean all mounting surfaces and ensure the new fuse box is free of shipping debris.
9. 9

   Install new fuse box assembly
   Position the new fuse box in the mounting location, aligning mounting holes with firewall or inner fender bracket. Loosely install all mounting fasteners finger-tight before final tightening. Ensure fuse box sits flush against mounting surface and is properly oriented with terminals accessible.
10. 10

    Tighten mounting hardware
    Securely tighten all fuse box mounting bolts or screws in a cross-pattern if multiple fasteners are used. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten as the fuse box housing may be Bakelite or plastic and can crack. Verify the fuse box does not move when pressure is applied.
11. 11

    Reconnect wire harness and circuits
    Reconnect the main wire harness connector first, ensuring it locks securely. Then reconnect individual circuit wires to their labeled terminals, matching wire colors and positions to your documentation and photographs. Push each terminal fully onto its post until seated. Ensure no bare wire is exposed at connections.
12. 12

    Install fuses
    Install fuses into their correct positions according to the amperage ratings documented during removal. Ensure each fuse is fully seated in its holder. If installing new fuses, reference the fuse box cover diagram or owner's manual for correct amperage ratings for each circuit.
13. 13

    Perform electrical system test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Using a test light or multimeter, verify power is present at appropriate fuse terminals with ignition on. Test each major circuit individually: headlights, turn signals, horn, wipers, gauges, and accessories. Check for proper fuse box operation without blown fuses or smoking wires.
    ⚠If any circuit immediately blows a fuse upon testing, disconnect battery and inspect that circuit for shorts before proceeding

Reassembly

1. Install fuse box cover and secure with retaining screws
2. Verify all wire connections are secure and no wires are pinched or rubbing against sharp edges
3. Route wiring harnesses as originally configured, using existing clips and tie points
4. Remove all temporary labels after verifying system operation

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify gauge cluster illuminates properly
• Test headlights on both high and low beam settings
• Verify turn signals flash correctly front and rear
• Test horn, windshield wipers, and all accessory circuits
• Check that no fuses have blown after initial operation
• Verify no unusual odors or heat from fuse box area during operation
• Road test vehicle and confirm all electrical systems function normally under driving conditions

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