Learn about Ford Focus (EU) (1999-2005) fuse box and relay’s locations, functions, and maintenance tips for optimal vehicle electrical system.
The first-generation Ford Focus, launched in Europe in 1998 and sold through the early 2000s, marked a significant step forward in design and engineering for Ford’s compact car lineup. Despite its more basic electrical system compared to modern vehicles, the Focus still relies on fuses and relays to protect its wiring from electrical faults, power surges, and short circuits.
If you’re dealing with issues like non-working headlights, a dead radio, or malfunctioning wipers on your 1999–2005 Focus, a blown fuse or faulty relay is often the cause. Knowing where to find your Focus’s fuse boxes and how to safely access them, can help you resolve many common electrical problems without a costly trip to the garage.
This guide covers the fuse box and relay locations for the 1999–2005 Ford Focus (EU), along with practical tips for safe access and fuse identification.
MUST READ: DYI – How to Check Car Fuses?
(1999-2005) Ford Focus (EU) 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.
Ford Focus (EU) (1999-2005) fuse assignment
Ford Focus (EU) Year of production: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Where Are the Fuse Boxes Located on the Ford Focus?
The 1999–2005 Ford Focus is equipped with two main fuse box locations: one in the engine compartment and one inside the cabin. This straightforward layout makes troubleshooting relatively easy once you’re familiar with where each box is located.
1. Engine Compartment Fuse Box
The primary fuse box is located in the engine bay, mounted near the battery on the driver’s side (right-hand side for UK-spec vehicles), close to the firewall.
How to access it:
- Open the bonnet and locate the black plastic cover near the battery.
- Unclip the retaining tabs along the edges of the cover, most versions use simple snap-lock clips that don’t require tools.
- Lift the cover straight up to reveal the fuses and relays inside.
This fuse box protects higher-amperage components such as the headlights, engine cooling fan, horn, and starter relay. Since this area is exposed to engine heat and road moisture, make sure the cover is properly reseated after inspection to prevent corrosion.
2. Interior Fuse Panel (Passenger Compartment Fuse Box)
The cabin fuse box is located inside the vehicle, typically at the end of the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the door.
How to access it:
- Open the driver’s door and locate the small access panel at the end of the dashboard, near the door hinge area.
- Gently pull or unclip the cover, it’s usually secured with simple plastic retaining clips.
- Once removed, you’ll see the fuse layout along with a couple of small relays.
This panel controls interior circuits such as the radio, interior lighting, wipers, hazard warning lights, and central locking system (on models so equipped). This is likely the fuse box you’ll need to check most often for everyday electrical troubleshooting.
3. Additional Relays Near the Battery
Aside from the main engine bay fuse box, a few standalone relays, such as the fuel pump relay or main relay, may be located separately near the battery or along the inner wing panel, rather than housed within the primary fuse box.
How to access them:
- Inspect the area around the battery and inner wing panel for small, individually mounted relays plugged into the wiring harness.
- These relays can typically be pulled straight out of their socket for inspection or replacement.
Since these relays aren’t always grouped with the main fuse box, a wiring diagram specific to your Focus’s engine type (petrol or diesel) is helpful for confirming exact locations.
How to Identify the Right Fuse or Relay
The fuse box covers typically include a printed diagram, either on the inside of the lid or on a label near the fuse block, listing each fuse and relay by number, amperage rating, and function.
When troubleshooting:
- Identify the malfunctioning component (e.g., “wipers” or “hazard lights”) and match it to its corresponding number on the diagram.
- Confirm the amperage rating on the old fuse matches the replacement before installing a new one.
- For relays, use a wiring diagram to confirm the correct location and function, since relays can look similar despite controlling different systems.
If the printed diagram is missing, faded, or hard to read due to the vehicle’s age, refer to your owner’s manual or a verified fuse box diagram specific to your Focus’s model year and engine variant, as slight differences can exist between petrol and diesel versions.
Safety Precautions Before Checking Fuses or Relays
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key before touching any fuse or relay.
- For more involved electrical work, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental short circuits.
- Use a fuse puller tool or needle-nose pliers rather than metal screwdrivers, which can cause sparking.
- Never replace a fuse with one of a higher amperage rating than specified, as this can overload the circuit and create a fire hazard.
- If a replacement fuse blows immediately, stop and inspect the circuit for an underlying short rather than continuing to swap fuses.
- Given the age of this vehicle, inspect fuse box connectors and relay sockets for corrosion or brittle plastic, which is common after two decades of service.
Checking and Replacing Fuses in Ford Focus (EU)
A fuse puller is located in the lid of the auxiliary fuse box.
Location of Fuse Boxes
Central Fuse Box:
This is located on the left-hand side underneath the instrument panel. Open the glove compartment. Push in both sides of the glove compartment and swivel it down completely.
Auxiliary Fuse Box:
This is located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment. To check or replace a fuse, remove the cover of the fuse box by releasing the catch and lifting up.
Fuse Box Diagrams
1999
Central Fuse Box
List of fuses in the central fuse box (1999-2005)
| № | A | Circuits protected |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 10A | Light switch |
| 31 | 15A | Radio |
| 32 | 15A | Direction indicator (GEM) |
| 33 | 20A | Horn, power seat |
| 34 | 20A | Power sunroof |
| 35 | 7.5A | Interior lights, power mirrors |
| 36 | 7.5A | Electronic modules, instrument cluster |
| 37 | 25A | Power Windows, central global closing (left-hand side) |
| 38 | 25A | Power Windows, central global closing (right-hand side) |
| 39 | – | Not used |
| 40 | 10A | Reversing light |
| 41 | 7.5A | Radio (accessory) |
| 42 | 15A | Brake lights |
| 43 | 15A | Power Windows, rear screen wiper |
| 44 | 20A | Front and rear fog lights |
| 45 | 7.5 | Air conditioning, recirculated air |
| 46 | 7.5A | ABS module |
| 47 | 15A | Cigar lighter, centre power point |
| 48 | 10A | Data link connector |
| 49 | 25A | Heated rear screen |
| 50 | 7.5A | Heated mirrors |
| 51 | – | Not used |
| 52 | 15A | Heated front seats |
| 53 | 10A | Reversing light, heated washer jets |
| 54 | – | Not used |
| 55 | 25A | Front power Windows |
| 56 | 20A | Front screen wiper |
| 57 | 7.5A | Side lights right-hand side |
| 58 | 7.5A | Side lights left-hand side |
| 59 | 10A | Light switch |
| 60 | 7.5A | Air bag module |
| 61 | 7.5A | Electronic modules, instrument cluster |
| 62 | 7.5A | Number plate lights |
| 63 | 20A | Central locking (on the rear side of the fuse box) |
Auxiliary Fuse Box
List of fuses in the auxiliary fuse box (1999-2005)
| № | A | Circuits protected |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 40A | Main power supply to electrical system |
| 2 | – | Not used |
| 3 | 40A | Glow plug heater 2 |
| 41 | 50A | Heated front screen |
| 51 | 60A | Diesel glow plug |
| 61 | 30A | Engine cooling fan (air conditioning) |
| 71 | 40A | Main power supply to electrical system |
| 81 | 30A | Ignition |
| 91 | 20A | Engine management |
| 10 | 1A | Battery voltage sensor |
| 11 | 30A | ABS pump |
| 12 | 15A | Fuel pump, diesel injection pump |
| 13 | 30A | Headlight washer system |
| 14 | 10A | Daytime running lights (parking lights) |
| 15 | 10A | A/C clutch solenoid |
| 16 | 15A | Dipped beam left-hand side |
| 17 | 15A | Dipped beam right-hand side |
| 18 | 10A | H02S sensor transmitter (catalytic converter) |
| 19 | – | Not used |
| 20 | 10A | Engine management |
| 21 | 20A | ABS valves |
| 22 | 20A | Daytime running lights (Xenon headlights only) |
| 23 | 20A | Auxiliary heater (diesel engine), power sup-ply for battery backup sounder (ST170 only) |
| 24 | 30A | Glow plug heater 1, subwoofer (ST170 only) |
| 25 | 15A | Daytime running lights (conventional headlights only) |
| 26 | 10A | Main beam left-hand side |
| 27 | 10A | Main beam right-hand side |
| 28 | 10A | Heated front screen, diesel fuel fired heater, diesel engine |
| 29 | 30A | Engine cooling fan (air conditioning) |
| 64 | 30A | Heater blower motor |
| 65 | 30A | Engine cooling fan |
| 1 The replacement of these fuses requires specialist knowledge. | ||
Conclusion
Knowing the fuse box and relay locations on your 1999–2005 Ford Focus makes it much easier to handle minor electrical issues without unnecessary guesswork. With two main fuse box locations; one under the bonnet and one inside the cabin, plus a few standalone relays near the battery, this classic Focus is relatively simple to troubleshoot once you’re familiar with its layout.
Always handle fuses and relays with care, confirm amperage ratings before replacing any component, and use the printed diagram or a wiring reference to correctly identify each fuse or relay. If an electrical issue persists after replacing a fuse, or if you notice significant wear on the fuse box connectors, consulting a mechanic experienced with older Ford Focus models is a smart next step.
