2018 Nissan Frontier Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick answer

The 2018 Nissan Frontier has two main fuse box locations: under the hood and behind the passenger-side kick panel.

Under-Hood Fuse Box

The under-hood fuse box, also known as the IPDM E/R (Intelligent Power Distribution Module Engine Room), is located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, near the battery. This box houses fuses and relays for critical engine functions, headlights, and other high-current components. Always verify the specific fuse layout against the diagram on the fuse box lid, as variations can occur.

Relay Locations (Under-Hood):

• ECM/PCM Relay: Powers the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
• Fuel Pump Relay: Controls power to the fuel pump.
• Starter Relay: Engages the starter motor.
• Horn Relay: Controls power to the horn.
• Headlight Relays (Low/High Beam): Control power to the respective headlight circuits.
• Blower Motor Relay: Controls power to the HVAC blower motor.
• A/C Clutch Relay: Controls power to the A/C compressor clutch.
• ABS Relays: Control power to various ABS components.

Passenger Compartment Fuse Box (Behind Kick Panel)

The passenger compartment fuse box is located behind the passenger-side kick panel, towards the firewall. To access it, you may need to remove the kick panel trim. This fuse box primarily handles interior electrical components, accessories, and some body control functions.

Relay Locations (Passenger Compartment):

Relays in the cabin fuse box on the Nissan Frontier are often integrated into the Body Control Module (BCM) or are less commonly user-serviceable. However, some models may have a dedicated relay for components like:

• Accessory Relay: Controls power to various accessories when the ignition is on.
• Wiper Relay: Controls the function of the windshield wipers.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process. You will need a fuse puller (often found in the fuse box lid) and a multimeter or a fuse tester tool.

1. Locate the fuse box: Refer to the Quick Answer section for the fuse box locations on your 2018 Nissan Frontier.
2. Identify the suspected fuse: Consult the fuse box diagram (printed on the inside of the fuse box lid) to find the fuse for the component that is not working.
3. Remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller to carefully remove the suspected fuse. Always ensure the ignition is off before removing or inserting fuses.
4. Visually inspect: Hold the fuse up to the light. If the metal wire (filament) inside is broken or burnt, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
5. Test with a multimeter (optional but recommended):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity or ohm setting.
   • Touch the probes to the two metal terminals on top of the fuse.
   • If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading close to zero ohms, the fuse is good. If there is no reading or the reading is "OL" (open loop), the fuse is blown.
6. 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 rating 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 circuit's demands or typical usage. If you're experiencing an electrical issue, check these fuses first:

• Cigar Lighter / 12V Power Outlet Fuse: Frequently blows due to overcurrent from charging devices or using high-power accessories. If your phone charger or other accessories aren't working, check the 20A Yellow fuse in the passenger compartment fuse box (Fuse #9).
• Blower Motor Fuse: If your HVAC fan isn't working on any setting, the blower motor fuse (15A Blue, under-hood Fuse #17, or passenger compartment Fuse #8) could be the culprit. A failing blower motor can also cause this fuse to blow.
• Headlight Fuses: If one or both of your headlights are out, check the 15A Blue low beam (Fuse #5 and #6 under-hood) or high beam (Fuse #14 and #15 under-hood) fuses. A bad bulb or wiring issue can sometimes cause these to blow.
• Radio / Infotainment Fuse: If your radio or infotainment system suddenly stops working, check the 10A Red fuse in the passenger compartment fuse box (Fuse #1). This could be due to a short circuit in the audio system or an accessory connected to it.
• Trailer Brake Fuse: If your 2018 Frontier is equipped with a factory trailer brake controller and it's not working, check the 20A Yellow fuse in the passenger compartment fuse box (Fuse #15). Issues with trailer wiring can frequently cause this fuse to blow.

Always remember to check the related components for underlying issues that might have caused the fuse to blow in the first place, such as a short circuit or an overloaded device. Simply replacing a fuse without addressing the root cause might lead to it blowing again.

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