Fuse Box - Interior

Removal and replacement of the interior fuse box assembly, including disconnecting the 12V battery, removing trim panels, and installing a new fuse box with proper electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Interior fuse box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuse box mounting bracket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector seals (as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all electrical accessories and remove key fob from vehicle
3. Open rear cargo area and locate 12V battery access panel on right side
4. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 2 minutes after battery disconnect for system capacitor discharge
5. Photograph fuse box location and all electrical connectors for reference during reinstallation
6. Have replacement fuses available in case any are damaged during removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect 12V battery
   Access the 12V battery in the rear cargo area. Remove the access panel cover. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative (-) battery terminal bolt first, then the positive (+) terminal bolt. Secure cables away from terminals. Wait minimum 2 minutes for system discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower driver side trim panel
   Using trim panel removal tools, carefully pry out the lower driver side dash trim panel below the steering column. Release the retaining clips by pulling gently at the edges. Disconnect any electrical connectors for switches or lights attached to the panel. Set panel aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove fuse box access cover
   Locate the interior fuse box access cover on the driver side lower dash. Remove the Torx T20 screws securing the cover (typically 2-3 screws). Pull the cover straight out to release any remaining clips. Set cover and screws aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Document and label electrical connectors
   Before disconnecting anything, take clear photos of all electrical connector positions and orientations. Use masking tape and marker to label each connector with its position (C1, C2, etc.). Note which connectors have locking tabs and their orientation.
5. 5

   Disconnect electrical connectors from fuse box
   Working from bottom to top, carefully release each electrical connector locking tab. Depress tabs while pulling connectors straight back from fuse box. There are typically 4-6 large multi-pin connectors. Do not twist or rock connectors excessively. If resistance is felt, verify locking tab is fully released.
6. 6

   Remove ground strap connections
   Locate the ground strap bolt(s) connecting to the fuse box mounting bracket. Use wire brush or contact cleaner to note the condition of contact surfaces for reassembly. Remove the ground strap bolt using 10mm socket. Keep ground straps organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove fuse box mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the fuse box assembly to the dash structure (typically 3-4 bolts). Using 8mm or 10mm socket as appropriate, remove all mounting bolts. Support the fuse box with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove fuse box assembly
   Carefully maneuver the fuse box assembly out of the dash opening. May require tilting or rotating to clear surrounding components. Check that all connectors and fasteners have been removed before forcing. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or corrosion.
9. 9

   Prepare new fuse box for installation
   Transfer any necessary fuses and relays from old fuse box to new unit, matching positions exactly. Inspect all connector ports on new fuse box for damage or debris. Verify new fuse box part number matches the old unit. Clean ground contact surfaces on mounting bracket with wire brush if necessary.
10. 10

    Install new fuse box assembly
    Position the new fuse box into the dash opening, orienting it to align with mounting holes. Thread mounting bolts by hand first to verify alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect ground straps
    Clean ground contact surfaces on both the fuse box bracket and body contact point with wire brush. Position ground strap(s) and install bolt(s). Ensure metal-to-metal contact with no paint or debris between surfaces. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolt14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Using your photos and labels as reference, reconnect each electrical connector to the fuse box. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Verify connector orientation matches original installation.
13. 13

    Reinstall fuse box access cover and trim
    Position the fuse box access cover and install the Torx screws, torquing to specification. Reconnect any electrical connectors to the lower dash trim panel, then snap the trim panel back into place, ensuring all retaining clips are fully engaged.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect 12V battery
    Return to the rear cargo area. Clean battery terminals if necessary. Reconnect positive (+) terminal first, then negative (-) terminal. Torque terminal bolts to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage battery terminals. Reinstall battery access cover.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked before powering up vehicle
2. Verify all trim panels are properly secured with no gaps or loose clips
3. Double-check that ground strap connections have clean metal-to-metal contact and proper torque

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify instrument cluster illuminates without warning lights related to electrical system
• Test all interior electrical functions: windows, locks, HVAC, infotainment, lighting, and wipers
• Check for any unusual odors, smoke, or heat from fuse box area during initial power-up
• Using multimeter, verify 12V power at several fuse positions with ignition ON
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using OBD-II scanner to ensure no electrical faults are present
• Road test vehicle briefly and verify all electrical systems function normally under driving conditions

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