The Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2003) is a midsize sedan that became known for its reliability and practicality during its production years. The vehicle’s electrical system is vital for its operation, and the fuse box and relays are key components that manage and protect this system.
The fuse box in the Chevrolet Malibu is typically located in two main areas: the engine compartment and the interior, often on the driver’s side of the dashboard or beneath it. The engine compartment fuse box handles high-power circuits like the engine control, ABS, and cooling systems. The interior fuse box protects circuits for accessories such as the radio, power windows, and interior lights. Each fuse is designed to blow if there is an overload or short circuit, preventing damage to the vehicle’s electrical components.
Relays in the Malibu act as switches for high-current systems, such as the fuel pump, starter motor, and cooling fans. These relays allow these critical components to be controlled by low-current circuits, ensuring safe and efficient operation. Regular maintenance of both the fuses and relays is essential to avoid electrical issues and to keep the Malibu performing reliably.
MUST READ: DYI – How to Check Car Fuses?
(1997-2003) Chevrolet Malibu fuse box and relay with Diagram
WARNING
- Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amperage rating.
- A fuse with a too-high amperage could damage the electrical part and cause a fire.
- On no account should fuses be repaired (e.g. patched up with tin foil or wire) as this may cause serious damage elsewhere in the electrical circuit or cause a fire.
- If a fuse blows repeatedly, do not keep replacing it. Instead, have the cause for the repeated short circuit or overload tracked and fixed.
- Terminal and harness assignments for individual connectors will vary depending on vehicle equipment level, model, and market.
Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2003) fuse assignment
- Cigar lighter / power outlet fuse in the Chevrolet Malibu is the fuse №34 in the Engine Compartment Fuse Box.
Year of production: from 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Instrument Panel Fuse Box №1 (Driver’s Side)
Fuse box location
It is located on the driver’s side of the instrument panel, behind the cover.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relay in the Instrument Panel Box №1
| Fuse | Usage |
|---|---|
| A | 1997-2000: Radio 2001-2003: Not used |
| B | Wipers |
| C | Trunk relase and remote lock control |
| D | Turn signal |
| E | Power mirrors |
| F | Air bag |
| G | Body Function Control Module |
| H | Powertrain Control Module |
| J | Door Locks |
| K | Body Function Control Module, Cluster |
| CIRCUIT BRKR PWR SEATS | Power Seats |
| MICRO RELAY DR UNLOC | Door Locks |
| MICRO RELAY DR LOCK | Door Locks |
| MICRO RELAY DRIVERS DR UNLOCK | 1997: Not used 1998-2003: Door Locks |
| STOP LPS | Stoplamps |
| HAZARD LPS | Hazard Lamps |
| IPC/HVAC BATT | Instrument Panel Cluster, Climate Control |
Instrument Panel Fuse Box №2 (Passenger’s Side)
Fuse box location
It is located on the passenger’s side of the instrument panel, behind the cover.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relay in the Instrument Panel Box №2
| Fuse | Usage |
|---|---|
| A | Instrument Panel Lights, Brightness Control (Dimmer) |
| B | Cruise Control Switches |
| C | Climate Control System |
| D | Cruise Control |
| E | Fog Lamps |
| F | Interior Lamps, Body Function Control Module |
| G | Radio |
| H | Sunroof |
| CIRCUIT BRKR PWR WNDWS | Power Windows |
| MICRO RELAY FOG LPS | Fog Lamps |
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
Fuse box location
It is located in the engine compartment, near the air cleaner.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relay in the Engine Compartment
| № | Usage |
|---|---|
| Maxi-fuses | |
| 1 | Ignition Switch |
| 2 | 1997-1999: Left-Hand Electrical Center-Power Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk Release and Remote Lock Control 2000-2003: Right Electrical Center-Fog Lamps, Radio, Body Function Control Module, Interior Lamps |
| 3 | 1997-1999: Left-Hand Electrical Center-Stoplamps, Hazard Lamps, Body Function Control Module, Cluster, Climate Control System 2000-2003: Left Electrical Center -Stoplamps, Hazard Lamps, Body Function Control Module, Cluster, Climate Control System |
| 4 | 1997-1999: Right-Hand Electrical Center-Fog Lamps, Radio, Body Function Control Module, Interior Lamps 2000-2003: Anti-Lock Brakes |
| 5 | Ignition Switch |
| 6 | Not Used / A.I.R. |
| 7 | 1997-1999: Anti-Lock Brakes 2000-2003: Left Electrical Center-Power Seats, Power Mirrors, Door Locks, Trunk Release and Remote Lock Control |
| 8 | 1997-1999: Cooling Fans 2000-2003: Cooling Fans #1 |
| Mini-Relays | |
| 9 | Rear Defog |
| 10 | Not Used / A.I.R. |
| 11 | Not Used |
| 12 | Cooling Fan #1 |
| 13 | HVAC Blower (Climate Control) |
| 14 | Cooling Fan #2 |
| 15 | Cooling Fan |
| Micro-Relays | |
| 16 | Air Conditioning Compressor |
| 17 | Not Used |
| 18 | Fuel Pump |
| 19 | Automatic Light Control |
| 20 | Automatic Light Control |
| 21 | Horn |
| 22 | Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) |
| Mini-Fuses | |
| 23 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 24 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 25 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 26 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 27 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 28 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 29 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 30 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 31 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 32 | Spare Fuse Holder |
| 33 | Rear Defog |
| 34 | Accessory Power Outlets, Cigar Lighter |
| 35 | 1997-1999: Anti-Lock Brakes 2000-2003: Generator |
| 36 | 1997-1999: Anti-Lock Brakes 2000-2003: Not Used |
| 37 | Air Conditioning Compressor, Body Function Control Module |
| 38 | Automatic Transaxle |
| 39 | Powertrain Control Module, Ignition |
| 40 | Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) |
| 41 | Ignition System |
| 42 | Back-Up Lamps, Brake Transaxle Shift Interlock |
| 43 | Horn |
| 44 | PCM |
| 45 | Parking Lamps |
| 46 | 1997-2000: Rear Defog, Daytime Running Lamps, Climate Control System 2001-2003: Climate Control System |
| 47 | 1997-2000: Powertrain Control Module, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Heated O2 Sensor 2001-2003: Canister Purge Valve, Powertrain Control Module, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, Heated O2 Sensor |
| 48 | Fuel Pump, Injectors |
| 49 | 1997-1999: Generator 2000-2003: Not Used |
| 50 | Right Headlamp |
| 51 | Left Headlamp |
| 52 | Cooling Fan |
| 53 | HVAC Blower (Climate Control ) |
| 54 | Not Used |
| 55 | 2000-2003: Cooling Fan #2 Ground |
| 56 | Fuse Puller |
| 57 | 1997-1999: Tach Test Point for Diagnostic Testing 2000-2003: Not Used |
Conclusion
For owners and enthusiasts of classic Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2003), understanding the fuse box and relay systems is essential for vehicle maintenance. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helped ensure the vehicle’s longevity and reliability, preserving its status as a symbol of Chevrolet’s craftsmanship and innovation in the automotive industry during that era.
