The Chevrolet Malibu (2008-2012) is a mid-size sedan recognized for its blend of style, comfort, and reliability. The electrical system of the Malibu is crucial for the functionality of various features, from essential engine components to comfort and convenience features, with fuse boxes and relays playing significant roles in ensuring safe and efficient operation.
The fuse box in the Chevrolet Malibu is found in two primary locations: the engine compartment and inside the cabin, usually on the passenger side. The engine compartment fuse box protects high-current circuits, including those for the engine, cooling fans, and anti-lock braking system (ABS). Meanwhile, the interior fuse box manages circuits for accessories such as the power windows, radio, and interior lights. Fuses in these boxes protect each circuit by breaking the connection if there’s an electrical overload or short circuit, preventing damage to other components.
Relays in the Malibu are used to control high-power circuits for components like the starter motor, fuel pump, and HVAC system. These relays enable the safe operation of these high-current circuits by using low-current signals to control them, ensuring both efficiency and safety. Regular maintenance of fuses and relays is essential to prevent electrical issues and ensure the vehicle’s reliable operation.
MUST READ: DYI – How to Check Car Fuses?
(2008-2012) 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 (2008-2012) fuse assignment
- Cigar lighter (power outlet) fuse in the Chevrolet Malibu is the fuse №20 in the Luggage Compartment Fuse Box.
Year of production: from 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Passenger Compartment Fuse Box
Fuse box location
It is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, on the lower portion of the instrument panel near the floor, behind the cover.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relays in the Passenger Compartment
| Name | Usage |
|---|---|
| POWER MIRRORS | Power Mirrors |
| EPS | Electric Power Steering |
| RUN/CRANK | Cruise Control Switch, Passenger Airbag Status Indicator |
| HVAC BLOWER HIGH | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Blower – High Speed Relay |
| CLUSTER/THEFT | Instrument Panel Cluster, Theft Deterrent System |
| ONSTAR | OnStar (If Equipped) |
| NOT INSTALLED | Not Used |
| AIRBAG (IGN) | Airbag (Ignition) |
| HVAC CTRL (BATT) | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control Diagnostic Link Connector (Battery) |
| PEDAL | Not Used |
| WIPER SW | Windshield Wiper/ Washer Switch |
| IGN SENSOR | Ignition Switch |
| STRG WHL ILLUM | Steering Wheel Illumination |
| NOT INSTALLED | Not Used |
| RADIO | Audio System |
| INTERIOR LIGHTS | Interior Lamps |
| NOT INSTALLED | Not Used |
| POWER WINDOWS | Power Windows |
| HVAC CTRL (IGN) | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control (Ignition) |
| HVAC BLOWER | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Blower Switch |
| DOOR LOCK | Door Locks |
| ROOF/HEAT SEAT | Sunroof, Heated Seat |
| NOT INSTALLED | Not Used |
| NOT INSTALLED | Not Used |
| AIRBAG (BATT) | Airbag (Battery) |
| SPARE FUSE HOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder |
| SPARE FUSE HOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder |
| SPARE FUSE HOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder |
| SPARE FUSE HOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder |
| FUSE PULLER | Fuse Puller |
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
Fuse box location
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relay in the Engine Compartment
| Name | Usage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Air Conditioning Clutch |
| 2 | Electronic Throttle Control |
| 3 | 2008-2009: Engine Control Module IGN 1(LZ4 & LZE) 2010-2012: Not Used |
| 4 | Transmission Control Module Ignition 1 |
| 5 | Mass Airflow Sensor (LY7) |
| 6 | Emission |
| 7 | Left Headlamp Low-Beam |
| 8 | Horn |
| 9 | Right Headlamp Low-Beam |
| 10 | Front Fog Lamps |
| 11 | Left Headlamp High-Beam |
| 12 | Right Headlamp High-Beam |
| 13 | Engine Control Module BATT |
| 14 | Windshield Wiper |
| 15 | Antilock Brake System (IGN 1) |
| 16 | Engine Control Module IGN 1 |
| 17 | Cooling Fan 1 |
| 18 | Cooling Fan 2 |
| 19 | Run Relay, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Blower |
| 20 | Body Control Module 1 |
| 21 | Body Control Module Run/Crank |
| 22 | Rear Electrical Center 1 |
| 23 | Rear Electrical Center 2 |
| 24 | Anti-lock Brake System |
| 25 | Body Control Module 2 |
| 26 | Starter |
| 41 | Electric Power Steering |
| 42 | Transmission Control Module Battery |
| 43 | Ignition Module (LZ4, LZE, LE9 & LE5); Injectors, Ignition Coils Odd (LY7) |
| 44 | Injectors (LZ4, LZE, LE9 & LE5); Injectors, Ignition Coils Even (LY7) |
| 45 | Post Cat 02 Sensor Heaters (LY7) |
| 46 | Daytime Running Lamps |
| 47 | Center High-Mounted Stoplamp |
| 50 | Driver Power Window |
| 51 | 2008-2009: Engine Control Module BATT(LZ4 & LZE) 2010-2012: Not Used |
| 52 | AIR Solenoid |
| 54 | Regulated Voltage Control |
| 55 | DC/AC Inverter |
| 56 | Antilock Brake System BATT |
| Relays | |
| 28 | Cooling Fan 1 |
| 29 | Cooling Fan Mode Series/Parallel |
| 30 | Cooling Fan 2 |
| 31 | Starter |
| 32 | Run/Crank, Ignition |
| 33 | Powertrain |
| 34 | Air Conditioning Clutch |
| 35 | High Beam |
| 36 | Front Fog Lamps |
| 37 | Horn |
| 38 | Low-Beam Headlamps |
| 39 | Windshield Wiper 1 |
| 40 | Windshield Wiper 2 |
| 48 | Daytime Running Lamps |
| 49 | Stoplamps |
| 53 | AIR Solenoid |
| Diode | |
| 27 | Wiper |
Luggage Compartment Fuse Box
Fuse box location
Rear Compartment Fuse Block is located in the luggage compartment (on the left-side), behind the cover.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses and relay in the Luggage Compartment
| Name | Usage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Passenger Seat Controls |
| 2 | Driver Seat Controls |
| 3 | Not Used |
| 4 | Not Used |
| 5 | Emission 2, Canister Vent Solenoid |
| 6 | Park Lamps, Instrument Panel Dimming |
| 7 | Not Used |
| 8 | Not Used |
| 9 | Not Used |
| 10 | Sunroof Controls |
| 11 | Not Used |
| 12 | Not Used |
| 13 | Audio Amplifier |
| 14 | Heated Seat Controls |
| 15 | Not Used |
| 16 | Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, XM Satellite Radio (If Equipped) |
| 17 | Back-up Lamps |
| 18 | Not Used |
| 19 | Not Used |
| 20 | Auxiliary Power Outlets |
| 21 | Not Used |
| 22 | Trunk Release |
| 23 | Rear Defog |
| 24 | Heated Mirror |
| 25 | Fuel Pump |
| Relays | |
| 26 | Rear Window Defogger |
| 27 | Park Lamps |
| 28 | Not Used |
| 29 | Not Used |
| 30 | Not Used |
| 31 | Not Used |
| 32 | Not Used |
| 33 | Back-up Lamps |
| 34 | Not Used |
| 35 | Not Used |
| 36 | Trunk Release |
| 37 | Fuel Pump |
| 38 (Diode) | Cargo Lamp |
Conclusion
For owners and enthusiasts of classic Chevrolet Malibu (2008-2012), 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.
