2017 Toyota Highlander Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage Guide

Quick Answer

The 2017 Toyota Highlander features three main fuse box locations: one under the hood, a second in the dashboard kick panel (driver's side), and a third in the cargo area (rear right side).

Under-Hood Fuse Box

The under-hood fuse box is located in the engine compartment, typically on the driver's side, near the battery. It houses fuses and relays for critical engine components, headlights, and other high-current systems.

Relay Locations (Under-Hood):

• EFI Relay: Controls power to the ECM/PCM and fuel pump.
• IGN Relay: Powers the ignition system.
• H-LP Relay: Controls the headlights.
• STARTER Relay: Engages the starter motor.
• HORN Relay: Activates the horn.
• A/C MG CLUTCH Relay: Controls the A/C compressor clutch.

Note: Always refer to the fuse box lid diagram for the exact layout, as configurations can vary slightly by trim level.

Driver's Side Dashboard Fuse Box

The interior fuse box is located on the driver's side, typically behind a removable panel on the lower dashboard, near the kick panel. This box protects various interior electrical components.

Note: The exact location of the dashboard fuse box cover can vary. It's usually a small plastic panel that pries open.

Cargo Area Fuse Box (Rear Right Side)

Some 2017 Toyota Highlander models also feature a fuse box in the cargo area, typically on the right-hand side behind a trim panel. This box often protects rear accessories and certain convenience features.

Verify the specific placement and fuse assignments by checking your vehicle's owner's manual or the fuse box lid diagram.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process that can help you diagnose electrical issues. The simplest method involves using a multimeter or a fuse tester.

1. Locate the Fuse Box: Identify the fuse box relevant to the circuit you're troubleshooting.
2. Identify the Suspect Fuse: Refer to the fuse diagrams provided in this article or, more accurately, the diagram on your fuse box lid or in your owner's manual.
3. Visual Inspection: Most modern fuses have a visible wire element inside. If this wire is broken or melted, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.
4. Use a Multimeter (Continuity Test):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a symbol that looks like a sound wave or diode).
   • Remove the suspect fuse from its slot using a fuse puller (often found in the fuse box).
   • Touch one probe of the multimeter to each metal blade of the fuse.
   • If the multimeter beeps or displays a reading close to zero ohms, the fuse is good. If it shows "OL" (open loop) or no reading, the fuse is blown.
5. Use a Fuse Tester: These are inexpensive tools with an LED light. Insert the fuse into the tester; if the light illuminates, the fuse is good. If not, it's blown.

Always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage rating and color. Using a fuse with a higher 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 the nature of the circuits they protect or issues with the components they power. On the 2017 Toyota Highlander, commonly encountered blown fuses include:

• CIG/P OUTLET Fuses: These often blow due to excessive current draw from accessories plugged into the cigarette lighter or 12V outlets, or a short circuit in the plugged-in device. If your phone charger or air compressor stops working, check these first.
• RADIO Fuse: Electrical spikes or issues within the infotainment system can cause this fuse to blow, leading to a loss of radio function.
• STOP Fuse: A blown STOP fuse will result in your brake lights not working. This is a critical safety issue and can be caused by a short in the brake light switch or the bulbs themselves.
• TAIL Fuse: If your tail lights or parking lights stop working, this fuse is a common culprit. Check for faulty bulbs or wiring issues.
• H-LP Fuses (Headlights): While less common, a short in a headlight bulb or wiring can blow these fuses, resulting in one or both headlights failing. If one headlight is out and the bulb is good, check the corresponding low or high beam fuse.
• BLOWER Fuse: If your climate control fan stops working on all speeds, the blower motor fuse (often a higher amperage fuse like PWR HTR) could be blown, or the blower motor resistor might be faulty.
• EFI/IGN Fuses: If you experience a no-start condition, these fuses are fundamental to engine operation. However, check for more common issues like a dead battery or faulty starter relay before immediately suspecting these.

Before replacing a blown fuse, try to identify the cause of the blown fuse. If a fuse blows repeatedly, there's an underlying electrical problem that needs to be addressed, such as a short circuit or an overloaded component. Replacing a fuse without addressing the root cause will only lead to it blowing again.

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