This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine bay fuse box assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnecting electrical connections and transferring components as needed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine bay fuse box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Fuse box cover × 1 — Often included with fuse box assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Photograph the fuse box cover diagram for fuse/relay positions
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
6. Wait minimum 3 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
7. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on clips
8. Document all fuse and relay positions with photos from multiple angles

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove fuse box cover and components
   Release the locking tabs on the fuse box cover and lift to remove. Remove all fuses and relays from the box, keeping them organized in order. Place them on a clean towel in the same layout as installed to maintain position reference. Note any fuses that show signs of corrosion or burning.
2. 2

   Disconnect primary wiring harness connectors
   Locate the main wiring harness connectors on the bottom and sides of the fuse box. These are typically large multi-pin connectors with sliding or rotating locking mechanisms. Press or slide the lock tabs while pulling the connectors straight out. There are usually 2-4 main connectors. Do not pull on wires, only on connector bodies.
   ⚠Connector locks vary by position. Inspect each carefully before applying force.
3. 3

   Disconnect individual circuit terminals
   Remove any individual wire terminals connected directly to the fuse box studs or terminals. These may include battery positive cable connections and other high-current circuits. Use a 10mm socket to loosen terminal nuts. Note the exact position and routing of each wire for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ground straps
   Locate and disconnect any ground straps attached to the fuse box mounting bracket or body. These are typically black or brown straps secured with 10mm or 12mm bolts. Clean the contact surfaces with a wire brush if corrosion is present.
   ℹ️Ground connections must have clean metal-to-metal contact for proper electrical function.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove fuse box mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the fuse box to the inner fender or firewall. On the 2015 Forte, there are typically 3-4 bolts accessible from the top and side. Use a 10mm or 12mm socket with extension to access all bolts. Support the fuse box with one hand as you remove the final bolt.
   ⚠Fuse box may be heavier than expected due to internal components and remaining wire harness weight.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove additional module mounting hardware
   Some fuse boxes have integrated control modules or additional mounting brackets. Check for smaller module mounting bolts (typically 8mm or 10mm) that secure internal components or mounting ears. Remove these carefully to fully release the assembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract fuse box from engine bay
   Carefully maneuver the fuse box assembly up and out of its mounting location. You may need to rotate or angle the box to clear surrounding components like the air intake, battery, or coolant reservoir. Work slowly to avoid snagging remaining wire harness connections or damaging adjacent components.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting area
   Inspect the fuse box mounting bracket and surrounding area for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean mounting surfaces with electrical contact cleaner and a wire brush. Check ground contact points for corrosion and clean to bare metal. Inspect all wire harness connectors for damage, bent pins, or corrosion.
   ℹ️Water intrusion at this location can cause multiple electrical issues. Ensure drain paths are clear.
9. 9

   Transfer components if necessary
   If the replacement fuse box does not include all relays, modules, or mounting brackets, carefully transfer these from the old unit. Some internal components may be secured with small screws. Note orientation and position of all transferred components.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new fuse box assembly
    Position the new fuse box into the mounting location, routing it carefully past adjacent components. Align mounting holes with bracket. Install mounting bolts hand-tight initially, then torque to specification. Ensure the box sits flush and level before final tightening.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect ground straps
    Reattach all ground straps to their original positions. Ensure mating surfaces are clean and make full metal-to-metal contact. Install bolts and torque to specification. Ground connections are critical for proper electrical system operation.
    ⚠Improper ground connections can cause erratic electrical behavior and computer malfunctions.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect individual circuit terminals
    Reconnect all individual wire terminals to the fuse box studs or terminals in their original positions. Install terminal nuts and torque to specification. Verify each connection is tight and properly seated.
    ⚠Do not overtighten terminal bolts as this can strip threads or damage terminals.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect primary wiring harness connectors
    Reconnect all main wiring harness connectors to the fuse box. Push each connector fully into place until you hear or feel it click and the locking mechanism engages. Verify locks are fully engaged by gently pulling on connector bodies. Double-check that no pins are bent or misaligned.
14. 14

    Reinstall fuses and relays
    Using your reference photos and the fuse box cover diagram, reinstall all fuses and relays in their correct positions. Ensure each component is fully seated. Replace any fuses that showed signs of damage or corrosion during removal.
15. 15

    Install fuse box cover and reconnect battery
    Install the fuse box cover ensuring all tabs engage properly. If cover screws are present, torque to specification. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Reinstall engine cover if equipped.
    ⚠Battery terminals are soft lead. Do not overtighten or threads will strip.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly locked
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
3. Check that all ground connections have clean, tight contact
4. Confirm fuse box cover is properly seated and secured

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify dashboard lights illuminate normally
• Check for any warning lights or error messages on instrument cluster
• Test operation of lights, horn, wipers, and power windows
• Start engine and verify it runs normally without warning lights
• Test operation of climate control blower and cooling fans
• Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored fault codes
• Verify all accessories and electrical systems function properly
• Road test vehicle and confirm all systems operate normally under driving conditions

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