A vehicle has many fuses and electrical switches that connect various parts together and power them. The Discrete Logic ignition Switch fuse comes in handy to get your car started and keep the safety of your car intact. You need your car to be safe and the DLIS fuse plays a huge role here. It powers the vehicle anti-theft system, the Theft Deterrent module (VTD). What more should you know about the DLIS fuse? Join me on this short trip.
What is the DLIS fuse?
Different components make up a car, including the exterior and interior. The Discrete Logic Ignition Switch (DLIS) fuse is a vital part of your vehicle. This 2-amp fuse contains is located in the engine cargo of your car. This system helps in shutting down certain parts of the car such as mirrors or windows.
Besides, it allows you to turn off the engine power to the Body Control System (BCM). But not removing the fuse before flat towing your RV can drain the battery power. This is because the DLIS allows the ignition key to turn to ACC (accessories) without draining the car battery.
It’s best to install the DLIS fuse before running your engine, especially during trip stops. In other words, if you’re stopping during the towing period, make sure to set up the fuse. There may an issue if you let the DLIS operate off an inline fuse switch. It all depends on your vehicle and the recommendations contained in your owner’s manual.
Why do You need to Remove the DLIS fuse Before Towing a Car?
Most Chevy cars have recommended procedures for users to follow should there be a case of breakdown. But the question remains, do I even need to remove the DLIS fuse before towing my vehicle in the first place? To be honest, I never thought this would be necessary if I needed to tow my vehicle.
Many Chevy users are caught up in the process of dead batteries which leads to ignition failure after towing their vehicles. This happens as a result of failure to remove the DLIS fuse before towing.
The major reason I always remove the DLIS fuse is that it helps to prevent my car battery from draining overtime whenever I ignite it in an accessory position. Once I remove the DLIS fuse, power does not get to the BCM and when this happens, it leaves the ignition relay to open, keeping the battery active as usual.
How To Remove the DLIS fuse Before Towing
As easy as it seems, not many car users can successfully pull the DLIS fuse before towing their vehicles. However, having noticed how to pull out this fuse from my mechanic, it has been a simple task for me to handle.
Thankfully, my mechanic installed the base plate and wired the lights in a less complicated ON-OFF switch- an option I used in disabling the DLIS fuse whenever the need arises.
Whenever I need to prepare my vehicle for towing, all I need to do is open the fuse panel and all switch off the DLIS fuse. I repeat the same process after completing the towing activity by switching it on again. With this, my battery retains its power and I don’t have to face any problems igniting my car.
Magnetic Tail or Sonic Light: Do I Still Need To Remove DLIS Fuse?
You may want to ask if you’ll still need to remove the DLIS fuse before towing my vehicle, especially if you’re using magnetic lights and not sonic lights.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re using sonic or magnetic lights. Towing your vehicle without removing the DLIS fuse will drain your battery. The reason is the other accessories that are installed on your sonic.
If you continue to continue to remove my DLIS fuse when towing, chances are high that you may not experience any issues. However, removing your DLIS fuse has to be an occasional practice. After all, your vehicle will not be breaking down from time to time.
DLIS Fuse keeps Blowing: Why and What to do
If your DLIS fuse keeps blowing after using it for a few miles, then you have to be wary. A couple of reasons may be responsible. A short in the wiring harness is the first culprit. If the DLIS fuse is overloaded, short-circuited, or working with defective appliances, the DLIS may keep blowing.
If the DLIS has gone bad, it will affect the fuse to function. Besides, if you install a fuse of higher amperage, you may constantly experience a blown DLIS fuse.
The thing to do is to replace the ignition module. Another remedy is to repair the two wires that are worn out. Sometimes, after working on the fraying wires, you may still experience the fuse opening up after a few minutes (5-10 minutes). You may also try to disconnect the vehicle theft deterrent module to prevent the DLIS fuse from popping.
Depending on whether you install a higher-amperage fuse, you’ll need to revert the normal amperage rating of your DLIS fuse. The power distribution wiring diagram will help you know the amperage rating on your car’s DLIS fuse.
Where is the DLIS Fuse located?
The location of the DLIS fuse depends on your car’s make and model. In most modern vehicles the DLIS fuse is located beneath the hood in the fuse box. You may also find it in the engine compartment or under the dashboard between CB and a wire.
Final Thoughts
Towing your vehicle is not something you would love. But it can be more daunting and frustrating trying to ignite your car and find out your battery is out of power. Hence, the reason you must remove the DLIS fuse before towing your vehicle. I hope this article helps you as I help you get more familiar with the various internal parts of your vehicle.
