2017 Chevrolet Malibu Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick Answer

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu features three main fuse box locations: under the hood, inside the cabin (driver's side kick panel), and in the trunk (passenger side).

Under-Hood Fuse Box

The under-hood fuse box is located on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the battery. It houses fuses and relays for critical engine components, lighting, and other high-current systems. Always refer to the legend on the inside of the fuse box cover for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle trim.

Relay Locations (Under-Hood):

• R1: Fuel Pump Relay
• R2: Starter Relay
• R3: Low Beam Headlight Relay (Left)
• R4: Low Beam Headlight Relay (Right)
• R5: High Beam Headlight Relay (Left)
• R6: High Beam Headlight Relay (Right)
• R7: Blower Motor Relay
• R8: A/C Compressor Clutch Relay
• R9: Cooling Fan Relay (Low Speed)
• R10: Cooling Fan Relay (High Speed)
• R11: Horn Relay

Cabin Fuse Box (Driver's Side Kick Panel)

The cabin fuse box is located on the driver's side, behind the kick panel next to the door. This box primarily contains fuses for interior accessories, such as the radio, power windows, and various cabin lights. Remove the kick panel to access these fuses. Remember to check your vehicle's specific owner's manual or the fuse box cover for the exact layout.

Trunk/Cargo Area Fuse Box

The trunk fuse box is typically located on the passenger side of the trunk, behind a trim panel. This fuse box often contains fuses for rear accessories, power outlets, and features like the trailer brake controller if equipped. Always verify the specifics with your vehicle's documentation.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process that can help you diagnose electrical issues. You will need a fuse puller (usually found in one of the fuse boxes) and a multimeter or a fuse tester.

1. Locate the suspected fuse: Refer to the appropriate fuse box diagram to identify the fuse for the circuit you are troubleshooting.
2. Turn off the ignition: Ensure the vehicle is off to prevent electrical shorts or injury.
3. Remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller to carefully remove the fuse from its slot. Never use metal tools like pliers, which can damage the fuse or the fuse box.
4. Visually inspect the fuse: For most blade-style fuses, you can often see if the metal wire inside is broken. If it's broken or discolored, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.
5. Test with a multimeter (for invisible breaks):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity or ohm setting.
   • Touch one probe to each metal terminal on top of the fuse.
   • A good fuse will show a reading close to zero ohms (continuity). If there's no reading or "OL" (open loop), the fuse is blown.
6. Test with a fuse tester: Insert the fuse into the tester. If the tester lights up, the fuse is good. If not, it's blown.
7. Replace the fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage and type. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can lead to serious electrical damage or fire.

Common Blown Fuses on This Vehicle

While any fuse can blow, some are more common than others due to their load or frequent use. If you're experiencing an electrical issue with your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, consider checking these circuits first:

• Cigar Lighter/12V Power Outlet Fuses: These often blow due to overcurrent from charging multiple devices or using high-power accessories. If your phone charger or other accessories aren't working, check the corresponding fuse in the cabin fuse box (F16 and F20).
• Blower Motor Fuse: Issues with the HVAC system, particularly a non-functional fan, often point to a blown blower motor fuse (Under-Hood F9 or Cabin F13). This can happen if the blower motor is working too hard or starting to fail.
• Headlight Fuses: If one or both of your headlights suddenly stop working, a blown fuse is a likely culprit (Under-Hood F5, F6, F7, F8) before considering bulb replacement.
• Radio/Infotainment Fuse: Malfunctions with the radio, display, or infotainment system could be traced back to its fuse (Cabin F1). Sometimes a hard reset by pulling the fuse for a few minutes can even resolve minor glitches.
• Brake Light Fuse: If your brake lights aren't working, always check the fuse (Cabin F9) first. A blown brake light fuse is a safety hazard and should be addressed immediately.

When a fuse blows, it's often a symptom of an underlying issue, not just the problem itself. If a fuse blows repeatedly, there's likely a short circuit or an overloaded component that needs professional diagnosis.

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