2018 Ford Escape – Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick Answer

The 2018 Ford Escape features three primary fuse box locations:

• Under-hood Fuse Box: Located in the engine compartment, typically near the battery.
• Smart Junction Box (SJB) / Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: Found behind the kick panel on the passenger side.
• Luggage Compartment Fuse Box: Situated in the rear cargo area, often behind a trim panel on the driver's side.

Always consult the fuse diagrams printed on the inside of the fuse box lids or your owner's manual for the most accurate information, as fuse configurations can vary by trim level and optional equipment.

Under-hood Fuse Box

This fuse box is located in the engine compartment on the driver's side, near the battery. It houses fuses and relays for critical engine functions, lights, and other high-current components.

Note: Relay locations are approximate. Refer to the fuse box lid diagram for exact placement.

Smart Junction Box (SJB) / Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

This fuse box is located behind the kick panel on the passenger side of the vehicle. It controls many interior electrical components, such as the radio, power windows, and heating/AC controls.

Note: Relay locations may vary slightly. Always check the diagram on the fuse box cover.

Luggage Compartment Fuse Box

This fuse box is located in the rear cargo area, typically behind a trim panel on the driver's side. It often contains fuses for rear accessories, such as the rear power outlet, power liftgate (if equipped), and trailer lights.

Note: Configurations can vary. Always refer to your vehicle's specific fuse diagram.

How to Test a Fuse

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

1. Locate the suspected fuse: Refer to the fuse box diagrams above and the diagram on the fuse box cover to identify the fuse for the component that isn't working.
2. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery (recommended): For safety, it's best to turn off your vehicle and disconnect the negative terminal of your battery before working with fuses.
3. Remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller to carefully remove the fuse from its slot.
4. Visually inspect the fuse: Hold the fuse up to the light. If the metal wire or filament inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
5. Test with a multimeter (if visual inspection is inconclusive):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a speaker icon or ohms symbol).
   • Touch the probes of the multimeter to the two metal prongs on top of the fuse.
   • If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to zero ohms, the fuse is good. If it shows "OL" (open loop) or no reading, the fuse is blown.
6. Replace the fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse of the exact same amperage rating and type. Using a fuse with a higher amperage can cause severe electrical damage or fire.

Common Blown Fuses on This Vehicle

While any fuse can blow, some are more common than others due to the nature of the circuits they protect or potential external factors. If you're experiencing an electrical issue, start by checking these fuses first:

• Cigar Lighter/12V Outlets: These fuses (often F2 in the SJB/Passenger Compartment Fuse Box and F1 in the Luggage Compartment Fuse Box) frequently blow due to overcurrent from charging multiple devices or using high-power accessories. Check these first if your phone charger or air compressor isn't working.
• Radio/Infotainment System: Issues with the radio or infotainment screen not turning on can often be traced back to a blown fuse (F1 in the SJB). Sometimes, faulty aftermarket accessories or a short in the wiring can cause this.
• Blower Motor: If your climate control fan isn't working at any speed, the blower motor fuse (F11 in the Under-hood Fuse Box) is a prime suspect. A failing blower motor itself can sometimes cause its fuse to blow.
• Headlights: If one or both headlights suddenly stop working, check the corresponding headlight fuses (F5, F6, F7, F8 in the Under-hood Fuse Box). While bulbs can burn out, a blown fuse will prevent the circuit from receiving power.
• Brake Lights: If your brake lights aren't illuminating when you press the pedal, check F8 in the SJB. A common cause for this fuse to blow is a short in the brake light switch or wiring, or sometimes a faulty bulb.

Always remember to check the power source first for simple issues. If a fuse repeatedly blows, it indicates a deeper electrical problem that needs professional diagnosis.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.