What is a DCC fuse? (Explained)

Another name for the DCC fuse is the DC cut fuse. This fuse is integral to the function of a vehicle as it powers the entire car. Without the DCC fuse, the battery in the vehicle will not charge. 

What is a DCC fuse meaning?

The average vehicle has many fuses, and each fuse is integral to the function of the vehicle. Fuses help direct electricity to each part of the engine. If electrical currents did not pass the fuses, then the battery would overpower some of the more delicate parts of the vehicle and they would burn out, rendering the car useless. 

Inside your vehicle is a DCC fuse. Manufacturers don’t always call it the DCC fuse, but the DCC or DC cut fuse is its common name. Another name for the DCC fuse is the Direct Circuit Connection fuse.

The purpose of a DCC fuse is to direct the power away from the rest of the vehicle. The DCC fuse is integral to preventing the battery from losing its charge when the manufacturer transports the vehicle from the warehouse or factory to the dealership.

Another important function of the DCC fuse is to render many of the secondary functions of a vehicle useless. When these functions are no longer working, the driver will still be able to turn on the vehicle and operate its driving mechanisms. 

But it can no longer use brake lights, air conditioners, radio, and other non-essential vehicle amenities.

When the warehouse workers in the manufacturer’s warehouse complete a vehicle, they will remove the DCC fuse. It makes it easier to transport the vehicle from the warehouse to the dealership. 

Also, it will prevent the battery from losing its charge. When the dealership receives a vehicle that has had its DCC fuse or moved, it will replace the DCC fuse. 

Battery issues that involve the DCC fuse

Like any other component in a vehicle, the battery can’t experience its own issues. Depending on the severity of the issue, you will not know the problem until the battery gets worse or you will know immediately because the entire car will be affected. When there’s an issue with the vehicle, it could be because of the DC cut fuse.

The battery dies every few days

If you notice that your vehicle’s battery constantly needs to jump, then that is a major indicator of a battery issue. A battery should be able to run for months and months with no issues. One reason the battery dies every few days is because of the DC cut fuse. 

As you know, the DC fuse connects the battery to many other components in the vehicle. Manufacturers remove the DC cut fuse to preserve the vehicle’s battery during the shipping process. 

Some amenities in the vehicle do not work

Perhaps the mechanic replaced the DC cut fuse and did not put it in the right way. This is always possible. The mechanic did not secure the DC cut fuse. When you made a hard right or left, or got into a small Fender bender, the fuse became loose. 

Opening the fuse box and pressing down on the DC cut payment should fix this issue. You can also take out the fuse, wait a few minutes, and then place the fuse back again. But it is up to you.

How to reset your vehicle’s battery

If the DCC fuse is an issue and you cannot find a solution for it, then you’ll need to reset the system. Resetting the battery system is actually quite difficult, so hire a mechanic to reset the system for you. 

But if you know your way around cars, then you can reset the system yourself. We call resetting the battery or rebooting the battery. 

When you reset the battery, you also reset the vehicle’s computer system. The most effective way of resetting the battery is disconnecting the battery from the car completely. 

Here is how to disconnect your vehicle’s battery from the engine:

If you have your vehicle’s manual, then go to the section labeled batteries. There should be a guide on how to disconnect your vehicle’s battery. If you do not have the manual anymore, you can download the manual from the manufacturer’s website. 

Using your vehicle’s designated manual is the best guide, as it will warn you of all the issues and obstacles that you can encounter when dislocating the battery.

Then, you need to put on a heavy pair of gloves. Do not work on your engine with bare hands.

Your vehicle is on, turn it off and wait a few minutes so the engine cools. Do not remove the battery while the vehicle is on.

During this resetting process, you will not have to remove the battery from the engine.

Now, lift the hood of your vehicle and locate the battery. You also need to find the positive and negative terminals on the battery. 

Once you locate the terminals, remove each cable from the terminal. Do not let either cable touch and do not let the cables touch anything else. 

Wrap the cables in cloth so they do not touch anything. Leave the battery alone for at least 30 minutes. This will help drain the battery of its surface charge.

After 30 minutes have passed, place negative and positive cables back on the terminals.

Conclusion

The DCC fuse has an alternative name, and it is the DC cut fuse. This fuse is integral to saving the battery charge during the shipping process. When the manufacturer completes the vehicle and it is ready to be shipped, the manufacturer will remove the DCC fuse.

When the vehicle reaches its final destination, like the dealership, the mechanic in the dealership will replace the fuse back into the fuse box once more. If you notice your vehicle has electrical issues, such as the battery dying in a few days, we could attribute it to a faulty DC cut fuse. If replacing the DCC fuse did not fix any of the issues in your vehicle, you can reset the entire battery system.

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  • Eric Williams

    I'm the founder of Daily Car Tips. I wrote articles in the automotive industry for more than 10 years, published in USA and Europe. I love sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on this journey as we explore the exciting world of cars together!