Remove and replace the interior fuse box assembly located in the driver's side lower dash panel, including disconnection of electrical harnesses and securing of mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Interior fuse box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower dash panel retaining clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
4. Wait minimum 3 minutes for capacitor discharge in airbag system
5. Take detailed photos of fuse box showing all fuse and relay positions
6. Label or photograph all electrical connectors before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower dash panel
   Locate the lower dash panel beneath the steering column on the driver's side. Remove the two cover screws at the bottom edge using 8mm socket. Carefully pull the panel downward and rearward to release the upper retaining clips. Disconnect the hood release cable from the back of the panel if equipped, then remove panel completely.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access interior fuse box
   The interior fuse box is located above where the lower panel was removed, mounted to the left side of the steering column support. Use flashlight to identify all electrical connectors on the back and sides of the fuse box. Remove the fuse box cover by releasing the tabs on both sides.
3. 3

   Document and remove fuses and relays
   Using your camera, take detailed photos of all installed fuses and relays with their positions clearly visible. Use fuse puller or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove all fuses and relays from the box. Store them in labeled containers organized by their original positions to ensure proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect main electrical harness connectors
   Locate the primary electrical harness connectors on the rear of the fuse box (typically 2-3 large multi-pin connectors). Depress the locking tab or slide the release mechanism on each connector while gently pulling straight back. Do not twist or rock connectors excessively. Mark each connector position with tape if not already keyed differently.
   ⚠These connectors are under spring tension - support the fuse box while releasing to prevent it from falling
5. 5

   Disconnect secondary connectors and ground
   Identify and disconnect any remaining smaller electrical connectors attached to the fuse box sides or bottom. Locate the ground strap bolt (typically 10mm) attached to the fuse box mounting bracket or housing. Remove the ground strap bolt and ensure the ground wire is free from the fuse box assembly.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fuse box mounting bolts
   Locate the fuse box mounting bolts securing the assembly to the dash structure. There are typically three mounting bolts (10mm) positioned around the perimeter of the fuse box bracket. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the fuse box to prevent dropping.
   ⚠Support fuse box weight before removing final mounting bolt
   Torque spec

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

   Remove fuse box assembly
   Carefully maneuver the fuse box assembly out from its mounting location. You may need to angle it slightly to clear surrounding dash structures and wiring harnesses. Inspect the mounting area for any loose hardware or debris. Check condition of the ground connection point on the mounting bracket.
8. 8

   Prepare new fuse box for installation
   Inspect the new fuse box assembly for any shipping damage or missing components. If reusing the ground strap, clean both the strap terminal and mounting surface with electrical contact cleaner to ensure good conductivity. Verify all mounting bracket locations align with the dash structure before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install new fuse box assembly
   Position the new fuse box assembly into the mounting location, carefully routing it past surrounding structures. Align all mounting bolt holes with the dash support bracket. Install all mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification in a cross-pattern.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ground and electrical connectors
    Attach the ground strap to the fuse box mounting point and torque the ground bolt to specification ensuring clean metal-to-metal contact. Reconnect all electrical harness connectors to the fuse box in reverse order of removal, ensuring each connector locks securely with an audible click. Verify no connectors are cross-threaded or partially seated.
    ⚠Ensure ground surfaces are clean and free of paint or corrosion for proper electrical contact
    Torque spec

    Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall fuses and relays
    Using your documentation photos, reinstall all fuses and relays to their exact original positions in the new fuse box. Verify each fuse is fully seated in its slot and that relay pins are properly aligned before pressing into place. Double-check all positions against your photos before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower dash panel
    Reconnect the hood release cable to the back of the lower dash panel if applicable. Position the panel into place, engaging the upper retaining clips first by pressing firmly upward. Install the two cover screws at the bottom edge and torque to specification. Verify panel is secure and properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to 6.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) - do not overtighten
2. Verify all dashboard panels are properly secured with no gaps or misalignment
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the dash cavity before final closure

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify instrument cluster illuminates normally
• Check that all warning lights cycle properly during startup sequence
• Test operation of all circuits controlled by interior fuse box: windows, wipers, interior lights, power outlets, radio, climate controls
• Verify airbag warning light cycles normally and extinguishes after 6 seconds (indicates proper system communication)
• Start engine and confirm no new warning lights or electrical fault codes
• Test all door locks, horn, and turn signals for proper operation
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes with OBD-II scanner to verify no electrical system faults

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