This procedure covers removal and replacement of the engine bay fuse box (under-hood fuse/relay box) on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Under-hood fuse box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Honda part 38200-TVA-A11 or equivalent
• Fuse box mounting grommets (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
5. Photograph or diagram the fuse/relay layout in the existing fuse box for reference
6. Label all major electrical connectors with tape and marker if replacement is being performed

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Locate the 12V battery in the engine bay. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative (black) terminal bolt. Lift the terminal clamp off the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove fuse box cover
   Open the under-hood fuse box cover by releasing the tabs on both sides. The cover is located on the driver's side of the engine bay near the firewall. Remove the cover completely and set aside. Document the fuse/relay positions with a photo if not already done.
3. 3

   Remove fuses and relays
   Using the fuse puller tool (typically stored in the fuse box lid) or needle-nose pliers, carefully remove all fuses and relays from the fuse box. Place them in organized groups on a clean towel, maintaining their positions for reinstallation. Note any blown fuses that may have necessitated this replacement.
4. 4

   Disconnect main electrical connectors
   Locate the large multi-pin electrical connectors on the bottom and sides of the fuse box (typically 3-5 connectors depending on trim level). Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. These connectors are color-coded (black, gray, natural) - document which position each occupies. Support the weight of the fuse box as you disconnect the final connectors.
   ⚠Connector locking tabs are brittle - use controlled pressure to avoid breaking the tabs which will require connector replacement
5. 5

   Disconnect ground strap connection
   Locate the ground strap(s) attached to the fuse box or mounting bracket. Using a 10mm socket, remove the ground strap bolt(s). Note the exact position and orientation of the ground terminal(s) for reinstallation. Clean the mating surfaces with a wire brush if corrosion is present.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fuse box mounting bolts
   Locate and remove the fuse box mounting bolts. There are typically 2-3 bolts securing the fuse box to the inner fender/firewall area. These are 10mm or 12mm bolts. Support the fuse box with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Note the position of any spacers or grommets under the mounting points - these must be reinstalled to prevent vibration damage
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove fuse box assembly
   Carefully lift the fuse box assembly up and out of the engine bay. Maneuver it around any nearby components (battery, air intake, etc.). Inspect the mounting area for any damaged grommets or hardware that needs replacement. Clean the mounting surface of dirt and debris.
8. 8

   Prepare new fuse box (if replacing)
   If installing a new fuse box, verify part number matches the original. Transfer any fuses or relays that were functioning correctly from the old box to the new box according to your documentation. Ensure all mounting grommets are in place on the new fuse box. Inspect all connector ports in the new fuse box for shipping plugs or damage.
9. 9

   Install fuse box assembly
   Position the new or serviced fuse box into the mounting location, aligning the mounting holes and ensuring any grommets are properly seated. Do not fully tighten mounting bolts yet - leave them finger-tight to allow adjustment when connecting electrical connectors.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all multi-pin electrical connectors to the fuse box in their original positions (refer to your labels/photos). Push each connector firmly until you hear/feel the locking tab engage. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is locked. Ensure no wires are pinched or under strain.
    ⚠Verify connector orientation before insertion - forcing a connector in backwards will damage terminals and may require complete fuse box replacement
11. 11

    Secure ground connections
    Reconnect the ground strap(s) to the fuse box or mounting bracket. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and bare metal is exposed for good electrical contact. Install the ground bolt(s) and torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque mounting bolts
    Now that all connections are made and the fuse box is properly positioned, torque all mounting bolts to the specified value. Follow a crossing pattern if multiple bolts are present to ensure even pressure distribution.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install fuses and relays
    Reinstall all fuses and relays in their correct positions according to your documentation and the fuse box diagram (on cover or in owner's manual). Ensure each component is fully seated. Replace any blown fuses with correct amperage rating - never use a higher amperage fuse than specified.
    ⚠Using incorrect fuse amperage ratings can cause electrical fire or component damage - always match OEM specifications
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal to the battery post. Torque the battery terminal bolt to specification - do not overtighten as this can crack the battery post. Turn the ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify the dashboard lights illuminate normally. Check for any warning lights that should not be present.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Functional verification
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. Verify normal operation with no warning lights. Test operation of major electrical systems: headlights, turn signals, horn, wipers, power windows, climate control, and audio system. Use a scan tool to check for any diagnostic trouble codes. Install the fuse box cover and close the hood.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully locked and seated
2. Verify all fuses and relays are installed in correct positions per fuse diagram
3. Confirm battery terminal connection is tight and corrosion-free
4. Double-check that no tools or parts are left in engine bay before closing hood

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs normally with no warning lights on dash
• Test all electrical systems including lights, wipers, windows, climate control, and accessories
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner - address any codes present
• Verify that all ground connections are secure by checking for electrical issues during accessory operation
• Road test vehicle to confirm normal operation of all systems including ABS, traction control, and engine management
• Check for any unusual electrical behavior, flickering lights, or intermittent operation that might indicate a poor connection

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