Where is the fuse box in my car?

Most vehicles have two fuse boxes: one under the dashboard on the driver's side, and one in the engine bay. The exact location varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual or use a wiring diagram app like AutoWire to find the fuse box location for your specific vehicle.

How do I know if a car fuse is blown?

A blown fuse typically has a visible break in the metal strip inside the fuse body. With a clear or semi-transparent fuse, you can often see this without removing it. For confirmation, use a multimeter set to continuity mode: place one probe on each end of the fuse — no continuity means it is blown.

Can I replace a car fuse myself?

Yes. Replacing a standard blade fuse is straightforward and does not require specialist tools. Turn off the ignition, remove the blown fuse with a fuse puller or nose pliers, and insert a new fuse of the same amperage rating. Do not install a higher-amperage fuse than specified, as this can damage the circuit or cause a fire.

How to Find Your Car's Fuse Box

Where Are Car Fuse Boxes Located?

Most vehicles have two fuse boxes. The first is inside the cabin — usually beneath the dashboard on the driver's side, behind a small panel cover. The second is in the engine bay, typically near the battery or attached to the inner wing.

Some vehicles also have a third, smaller fuse box in the boot or under a rear seat. Exact locations vary significantly by make and model.

Tip: If you cannot locate the fuse box in your vehicle, check the AutoWire app for a fuse box layout specific to your make, model, and year. This will show both the location and the fuse diagram.

How to Read a Fuse Box Diagram

The inside of the fuse box cover usually has a printed diagram that maps each fuse position to the circuit it protects. This diagram may also show the amperage rating for each fuse.

Common layout features include:

A numbered grid corresponding to fuse positions
Circuit names next to each number (e.g., "IGN" for ignition, "HTR" for heater)
Amperage ratings, usually in amps (A) — for example, 10A, 15A, 20A
Relay positions, which are larger blocks separate from standard fuses

If the lid diagram is missing or unclear, the AutoWire app provides detailed fuse box layouts for supported vehicles, with circuit descriptions and amperage ratings.

How to Identify a Blown Fuse

Turn off the ignition before inspecting or touching any fuses.
Locate the relevant fuse using the fuse box diagram.
Visually inspect the fuse. Most blade fuses have a clear or translucent body. A broken metal strip inside indicates a blown fuse. Discolouration or a burnt smell are also signs.
Confirm with a multimeter. Set to continuity mode and place one probe on each metal terminal at the top of the fuse. No continuity = blown fuse.
Remove the fuse using a fuse puller (often stored inside the fuse box) or a pair of nose pliers — do not pull with your fingers if the fuse is tight.

Replacing a Blown Fuse Safely

Check the amperage rating printed or stamped on the old fuse — for example, "15A".
Replace with a new fuse of exactly the same amperage. Never fit a higher-rated fuse; this can damage the circuit or cause a fire.
Insert the new fuse firmly into the same position.
Turn the ignition on and test the affected component.
If the fuse blows again immediately, there is an underlying electrical fault — do not keep replacing fuses without investigating the cause.

Safety warning: Do not replace a fuse with one of a higher amperage rating. Fuses protect wiring from overheating. A higher-rated fuse allows more current to flow before blowing, which can melt the wiring insulation or cause a fire.

Common Fuse Box Problems

Fuse keeps blowing: Indicates a short circuit or overloaded circuit downstream — trace the circuit with a wiring diagram before replacing the fuse again.
Corroded fuse contacts: Common in older vehicles or those exposed to moisture. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and a soft brush.
Missing or incorrect fuse: A previous owner may have fitted the wrong amperage fuse. Always verify against the fuse box diagram.

Find fuse box layouts for your car

AutoWire includes detailed fuse box diagrams for hundreds of car brands and models — with circuit descriptions, amperage ratings, and fuse positions, available offline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the fuse box in my car?: Most vehicles have two fuse boxes: one under the dashboard on the driver's side, and one in the engine bay. The exact location varies by make and model. Check your owner's manual or use a wiring diagram app like AutoWire to find the fuse box location for your specific vehicle.
How do I know if a car fuse is blown?: A blown fuse typically has a visible break in the metal strip inside the fuse body. With a clear or semi-transparent fuse, you can often see this without removing it. For confirmation, use a multimeter set to continuity mode: place one probe on each end of the fuse — no continuity means it is blown.
Can I replace a car fuse myself?: Yes. Replacing a standard blade fuse is straightforward and does not require specialist tools. Turn off the ignition, remove the blown fuse with a fuse puller or nose pliers, and insert a new fuse of the same amperage rating. Do not install a higher-amperage fuse than specified, as this can damage the circuit or cause a fire.