# Burnt-Looking Fuses – Normal? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** toyota, camry\ **Created:** [May 2, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091 "2025-05-02T16:24:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Davidgonzalez542\_192457](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/8dc957/32.png) [@Davidgonzalez542\_192457](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Davidgonzalez542_192457)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/1 "2025-05-02T16:24:36Z")
Hey everyone, I just got a Thinkware iVolt Xtra Battery Pack and noticed that 3 out of the 4 included fuses have a burnt or discolored look on the metal prongs—though they aren’t bent. I contacted customer support and they said it’s “normal discoloration,” but it still seems off to me. I’m planning to have the system professionally installed soon, but I don’t want to show up with something potentially faulty and end up wasting time, money, or delaying the install. Just want to be sure before risking anything electrical—should I push for a replacement, or is this really safe to use as-is with my dashcam setup? I know nothing of fuses. I can upload more up close pictures if needed. ![20250501_174636](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/5/c/5c36574146df137e5581581afd720e4d353c3bbd.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/2 "2025-05-02T18:04:03Z")
They mostly just look old to me. Take a piece of fine sandpaper and clean them up if you’re worried. Or new fuses cost almost nothing. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 7:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/3 "2025-05-02T19:14:42Z")
I can’t see much if anything through the plastic bag. Take the fuses out of the bag and inspect the connection through the plastic body. Are the two prongs still connected? If so, then the fuses are OK. The discoloration is probably oxidation and you can use emery paper or sandpaper to buff the prongs up. ---
**Author:** ![ledhed75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f6c823/32.png) [@ledhed75](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ledhed75)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/4 "2025-05-02T19:44:05Z")
I’ll call that slight oxidation on the metal. Put them in. If they work, fine, use them. If they don’t work, go from there. I’d bet you a package of fuses they will work just fine, though. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2025, 8:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/5 "2025-05-02T20:14:02Z")
Those fuses are normal. Fuse blades are aluminum, that is a natural film on the blades. Don’t clean them, the film will be removed by the friction in the receiving connector. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2025, 4:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/burnt-looking-fuses-normal/200091/6 "2025-05-03T04:19:32Z")
I agree, run them as is, if for some reason they are bad, the shop will either have fuses in stock (or in a tool box) or can have them there in 10-30 minutes most likely, you can even go buy some spares and tell the installer use them if needed and if not needed, keep them or return them… Don’t over think it…