2018 Chevrolet Malibu — Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick answer

2018 Chevrolet Malibu fuse box locations:

• Under-hood fuse block: driver side of engine compartment, near the battery/strut tower under a plastic cover.
• Instrument panel (I/P) fuse block: passenger side of the dash, behind the end-cap trim panel (accessible with the door open).
• Rear compartment (trunk) fuse block: left side of the trunk behind the side trim panel (some trims place it under the trunk floor panel near the battery on hybrids).

Note: GM revised assignments across trims (1.5L, 2.0L, Hybrid) and option packages. The tables below show the most common 2018 Malibu non-hybrid layout. Always verify against the printed legend on your fuse box lid for your exact vehicle.

Engine compartment fuse block

Most powertrain, lighting, ABS, cooling fan, and A/C clutch fuses/relays are here.

Relays (under-hood, integral to the same block): Starter relay, A/C clutch relay, Cooling fan relays (Fan 1/Fan 2), Fuel pump relay, and often Headlamp relays. Exact relay cavities are molded/numbered on the block cover—confirm with the lid legend.

Instrument panel (I/P) fuse block — passenger dash end panel

Body electronics, HVAC control, radio/infotainment, SRS/airbag, stop/park lamps control, and power outlets are typically here.

Relays: Many Malibu body functions are solid-state through the BCM. Some I/P blocks include a RAP/Accessory (retained accessory power) relay and a Run/Crank relay cavity. Confirm relay presence/position with the panel legend for your trim.

Rear compartment (trunk) fuse block — left trunk trim/under-floor

Rear defogger, fuel pump module feed on some trims, park/stop feed, EPB, and other rear-body circuits are typically here.

Relays: Rear defogger relay and Fuel Pump relay (or internal FPCM control) are commonly located in this rear block. Check the cover diagram for relay cavities by position.

Important: Chevrolet assigned fuse numbers and cavity counts differently between the gas and hybrid Malibu and across option packages. Treat the numbers above as common references. Always match the circuit name on the lid with the circuit you’re diagnosing.

How to test a fuse

• Visual check: Remove the suspect fuse with the puller from the fuse cover. Look for a melted/broken metal link through the translucent body. Replace with the same amp and color if blown.
• Test light method: With the key in the proper position (RUN or as required by the circuit), probe both test tabs on top of the fuse. Power on one side only indicates a blown fuse. Power on neither side means the circuit may not be energized or upstream power is missing.
• Multimeter continuity: With the fuse removed, set the meter to continuity/ohms. A good mini fuse will read near 0 Ω. Infinite/open means blown.
• Load check: If a fuse repeatedly blows, do not upsize it. Find the shorted component/wire or failed module drawing excess current.

Common blown fuses on this vehicle (what to check first)

• 12V power outlets (cigar/AUX): 20A yellow fuses in the I/P block commonly blow from coin/plug shorts. Inspect the outlet for debris and damaged USB/chargers before replacing. Verify both front and rear outlets—each may have its own fuse.
• Radio/Infotainment: 15A blue “RADIO” in the I/P block. If it blows again, disconnect aftermarket add-ons (dash cams, accessory harnesses) and check for pinched harnesses behind the radio/HMI.
• Blower inoperative: Malibu uses a high-amperage blower feed (under-hood J-case) and a low-amp HVAC control fuse (I/P). If the blower is dead, check the large BLWR fuse under-hood first, then the HVAC control fuse and the blower resistor/module.
• A/C clutch: 10A red under-hood. If it pops, inspect the compressor clutch coil wiring near the compressor pulley and the harness at the right front of the engine bay.
• Headlights (low/high): Individual 15A blue fuses under-hood for each side/beam. If one side is out, swap bulbs to confirm, then check for moisture in the lamp housing or a chafed front harness.
• ABS light on/no pump: 25–40A J-case fuses under-hood feed the EBCM and pump. If a pump fuse blows, do not drive—have the wheel speed circuits and EBCM checked for internal shorts.
• Fuel pump no-run: Depending on trim, the pump feed fuse/relay is under-hood or in the rear block. Verify pump prime, check the FP relay cavity, and confirm the dedicated 15–20A fuse has power on both tabs during key-on.

Reminder: Never rely solely on online lists. Use the fuse box cover legend to confirm the exact fuse number and cavity for your Malibu.

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