2018 Tesla Model 3 Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick answer

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 features three primary fuse box locations:

• Front Underhood Fuse Box: Located in the front trunk (frunk), typically on the passenger side, requiring removal of a cover to access.
• Cabin Fuse Box: Positioned behind the kick panel on the passenger side of the cabin.
• Rear Cargo Fuse Box: Found in the rear cargo area, usually on the driver's side behind a trim panel.

Front Underhood Fuse Box

This fuse box primarily houses fuses for critical powertrain components, high-current systems, and some front-end accessories. Always refer to the fuse legend on the cover of your specific vehicle's fuse box, as configurations can vary slightly due to trim levels and features.

Relay Locations: Significant relays in this box include the Main Contactor Relays (integral to the HV battery system, not typically serviceable by the end-user) and a Fan Control Relay for the cooling system.

Cabin Fuse Box

Located on the passenger side, behind the kick panel (which typically pulls off with some gentle force), this fuse box manages many of the interior and accessory circuits. Always verify the printed legend in your fuse box lid.

Relay Locations: This box typically contains relays for the power windows and potentially the blower motor control, though many functions are solid-state on the Model 3.

Rear Cargo Fuse Box

Located in the trunk, typically behind a removable trim panel on the driver's side, this fuse box controls power for various rear-mounted systems and some charging components. Always cross-reference with your vehicle's fuse legend.

Relay Locations: This location may house relays for the rear defroster and potential relays for trailer towing systems if the vehicle is equipped with a tow package.

How to test a fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process. You'll need a fuse puller (usually found in one of the fuse boxes) and a multimeter or a 12V test light.

1. Locate the suspected fuse: Refer to the diagrams above and your vehicle's fuse box legend to identify the correct fuse for the circuit experiencing issues.
2. Turn off the vehicle: Always ensure the vehicle is completely off and, if possible, disconnect the 12V battery before removing fuses, especially for high-amperage ones. For Teslas, follow the proper shutdown procedure via the touchscreen.
3. Remove the fuse: Use the fuse puller to carefully extract the fuse straight out of its slot.
4. Visual inspection: Many fuses have a visible wire inside. If this wire is broken or melted, the fuse is blown. However, sometimes the break is not easily visible, especially with smaller fuses or sealed types.
5. Test with a multimeter:
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a symbol resembling a sound wave or diode).
   • Touch one probe to each metal blade of the fuse.
   • A healthy fuse will show a reading of close to zero ohms and/or the multimeter will beep, indicating continuity.
   • A blown fuse will show an