Chevrolet Malibu Fuse Box: Location & Guide
TL;DR
Malibu fuses live in an underhood box (engine bay) and an interior box in the driver-side dash; always check the lid diagram and owner's manual before pulling or replacing a fuse.
Where the fuse boxes are on the Chevrolet Malibu
Like most modern Chevrolets, the Malibu uses a two-box electrical layout. The underhood power distribution box sits in the engine compartment, typically toward the back near the brake booster or along the fender, and handles high-current circuits such as the cooling fan, starter, and fuel pump relay. The interior fuse box is mounted in the driver-side dash, commonly accessed through a small hinged or snap-fit panel at the far left edge of the dashboard, near the door; on some model years it sits lower, closer to the driver's footwell or the kick panel below the steering column. This dual layout has been consistent across the ninth-generation (2013-2015) and tenth-generation (2016-present) Malibu, though exact bracket shape and cover style vary by trim and model year.
How to open each box
The underhood cover usually lifts off after releasing one or two plastic tab clips or a quarter-turn latch along its edge - no tools are typically required, though a flat trim tool can help pry a stubborn edge. The interior panel is generally a pull-and-unclip cover; some trims use a small access door that swings down or a removable trim piece that pops out by hand. Never force a cover past resistance - locate the release tabs first.
Where to find the official fuse legend
Do not rely on generic charts for exact fuse numbers and amperage, since these can differ by engine, trim, and even mid-year running changes. The authoritative source is always the diagram printed on the inside of the fuse box lid (or on a nearby label), cross-checked against the electrical/fuses chapter of your Malibu's owner's manual. This is the only place to confirm exact circuit-to-fuse assignments for your specific car.
Commonly blown fuses and their symptoms
| Generation / years | Fuse box | Location | How to access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th gen, 2013-2015 | Underhood power distribution box | Engine bay, rear/fender area near brake booster | Unclip plastic tab latches on cover edge; lift straight up |
| 9th gen, 2013-2015 | Interior fuse box | Driver-side dash, left edge near door | Pull/unclip small trim panel or access door by hand |
| 10th gen, 2016-present | Underhood power distribution box | Engine bay, typically along fender or near battery | Release quarter-turn latch or tab clips; lift cover off |
| 10th gen, 2016-present | Interior fuse box | Driver-side dash or lower kick panel, depending on trim/year | Unclip or swing down small access door by hand |
By function, the fuses owners report tripping most often are: the cigarette lighter/12V accessory outlet fuse (symptom: phone charger or dash cam stops working, often from a shorted charger plug); the radio/infotainment fuse (symptom: touchscreen and stereo go dark while other accessories still work); the interior lighting fuse (symptom: dome light, map lights, or glovebox light stop working together); the blower motor fuse (symptom: no airflow from any HVAC vent regardless of fan-speed setting); and the fuel pump relay/fuse circuit (symptom: engine cranks but will not start, or stalls and won't restart, due to no fuel delivery).
How to check and replace a fuse
Pull the suspect fuse straight out with the plastic fuse-puller tool usually clipped inside the fuse box cover. Hold it up to light and look at the thin metal strip inside - if it is visibly broken or the plastic body is discolored/melted, it has blown. For a more certain check, use an automotive test light or multimeter across the two prongs with the circuit powered: no continuity or no light means the fuse is bad. Replace only with a fuse of the identical amperage rating printed on the original fuse or the lid diagram - never substitute a higher-amperage fuse, as this defeats the circuit protection and can lead to melted wiring or a fire risk.
When a fuse keeps blowing
If a fresh fuse of the correct rating blows again within seconds or minutes of replacement, that circuit almost certainly has a short to ground or a failing component drawing excess current - simply upsizing the fuse will not fix this and is unsafe. This is exactly where pulling stored diagnostic trouble codes with an OBD-II scan tool earns its keep: codes tied to the affected module or circuit (for example a body control module or fuel pump circuit code) can point directly to the failing wire, connector, or component instead of guessing through the whole harness.
Summary
| Underhood fuse box location | Engine bay, near battery/brake booster or fender |
|---|---|
| Interior fuse box location | Driver-side dash edge near door (some years: lower kick panel) |
| Generations covered | 9th gen 2013-2015 and 10th gen 2016-present |
| Fuse legend source | Diagram on inside of box lid + owner's manual electrical chapter |
| Common trouble fuses | 12V outlet, radio/infotainment, interior lights, blower motor, fuel pump relay |
| Replacement rule | Match exact amperage printed on original fuse - never go higher |
| Repeat blown fuse | Usually indicates a short; check stored OBD-II fault codes |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Malibu: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the fuse box on a Chevrolet Malibu?
There are two: an underhood power distribution box in the engine bay (near the fender or brake booster area) and an interior fuse box in the driver-side dash, usually behind a small panel near the door or lower kick area. This layout applies to both the 2013-2015 and 2016-present Malibu generations, though the exact cover shape varies by trim and year.
How do I know which fuse controls the radio or 12V outlet on a Malibu?
Check the diagram printed on the inside of the interior fuse box cover, or the electrical section of your owner's manual - it lists each fuse position by circuit name. Exact numbering can differ by model year and trim, so always confirm against your own car's diagram rather than a generic chart.
Can I replace a blown Malibu fuse with a higher amp rating if I don't have the right one?
No. Always match the exact amperage printed on the original fuse or the box lid diagram. A higher-rated fuse allows more current to flow than the circuit's wiring is designed for, which can overheat wires and create a fire hazard instead of protecting the circuit.
Why does my Malibu's fuse keep blowing right after I replace it?
A fuse that blows again almost immediately after replacement usually signals a short circuit or a failing component drawing too much current on that circuit, not a bad fuse batch. Continuing to replace fuses without finding the underlying fault risks further damage; pulling stored fault codes with an OBD-II scanner can help pinpoint which circuit or module is at fault.