Expert: Sean Halliday - 4/23/2008

Question
I have a 1995 Chevy Lumina APV recently the air cleaner came in contact with the back of the altenator and caused the fusible link at the starter to burn out. So now I know the reason why my altenator is not charging my battery, however, what I do not know is the amp rating of the fusible link I will need to replace it. There was no amp rating listed on the fusible link... the only thing printed on the fusible link insulation was "2.0 sq. mm", which meant nothing at all to all the auto parts store clerks I've talked to... they just kept asking, "but what amperage do you need?". Which was no help. One clerk asked me what color the fusible link insulation was... which is black... and he told me that the black ones he has are rated at 80 amps. 80 amps is probably in the right neighborhood of what I need but I want to be sure before I waste my time putting in the wrong amperage and burning something out. My alternator is heavy duty and puts out 105 amps.

Answer
The best way to be sure is take the old one to the dealer and get the exact fuseible link.If the car ran ok before with this,it should be ok.80 amp sounds right.There is no color code that i can find for this car.So,the only way is replace the old with a new part from chevy.