2021 Toyota Highlander – Fuse Box Diagram & Amperage

Quick Answer

The 2021 Toyota Highlander typically has three main fuse box locations:

• Under-hood: Located in the engine compartment, usually near the battery or fender.
• Driver's Side Dashboard: Found behind a panel on the driver's side of the dashboard.
• Rear Cargo Area: Situated in the cargo area, often behind a trim panel on the driver's or passenger's side.

Under-Hood Fuse Box (Engine Compartment)

This fuse box contains fuses and relays for critical engine functions, lighting, and major electrical components. Always refer to the fuse legend on the fuse box cover for the most accurate information for your specific Highlander trim.

Common Relays in this box include: EFI Relay, HORN Relay, HEAD Relay, STARTER Relay, A/C MAG CLUTCH Relay, RDI Relay.

Driver's Side Dashboard Fuse Box

This fuse box typically houses fuses for interior electrical components, accessories, and some body electronics. To access it, you'll usually need to remove a small trim panel on the driver's side of the dashboard, often near the door jamb or below the steering wheel.

Rear Cargo Area Fuse Box

For Highlanders, another fuse box is often located in the rear cargo area, typically behind a removable trim panel on the driver's or passenger's side within the trunk or cargo space. This box supports rear accessories, specific body electronics, and sometimes components related to AWD or towing.

How to Test a Fuse

Testing a fuse is a straightforward process and a good first step when troubleshooting an electrical issue. Here's how:

1. Locate the Fuse Box: Identify the correct fuse box for the circuit you're testing using the diagrams above and your vehicle's owner's manual.
2. Turn Off the Vehicle: Ensure the engine is off and the ignition is in the 'OFF' position to prevent electrical shorts or injury.
3. Identify the Suspect Fuse: Consult the fuse box legend (usually on the lid or in the owner's manual) to find the fuse associated with the malfunctioning component.
4. Visually Inspect (First Check): Many fuses have a clear plastic body. Look for a broken wire or burnt metallic strip inside. If it's broken, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.
5. Use a Fuse Puller: Most fuse boxes come with a small plastic fuse puller tool. Use it to carefully remove the suspect fuse. Never use metal tools that could short circuits.
6. Test with a Multimeter (For Nofuse with clear body or for accurate check):
   • Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (usually indicated by a speaker icon) or the ohms setting (Ω).
   • Touch the multimeter probes to the two metal prongs on top of the fuse (or the two metal contacts at the ends if removed).
   • If the fuse is good, the multimeter will beep (continuity) or show a very low resistance reading (near 0 ohms). If the fuse is blown, it will show no continuity or an