Fuses protect the Toyota RAV4’s electrical circuits by breaking the connection if a circuit draws too much current. Relays act as electrically controlled switches for components that need more power. Both help prevent damage to wiring and electrical equipment.
Knowing the Toyota RAV4 (XA20; 2001–2003) fuse box location can help you investigate problems such as non-working lights, wipers, or power accessories. Most versions have a fuse panel inside the cabin and a main fuse and relay box in the engine compartment. Exact layouts can vary with engine, trim, and market.
MUST READ: DYI – How to Check Car Fuses?
(2001–2003) Toyota RAV4 XA20 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.
Toyota RAV4 (XA20; 2001–2003) fuse assignment
Toyota RAV4 (XA20) Year of production: 2001, 2002, 2003
Checking and Replacing Fuses in Toyota RAV4
If the headlights or other electrical components do not work, check the fuses.
Turn the ignition switch and inoperative component off. Pull the suspected fuse straight out and check it. If the fuse has blown, push a new fuse into the clip. Only install a fuse with the amperage rating designated on the fuse box lid.
If the new fuse immediately blows out, there is a problem with the electrical system. Have your Toyota dealer correct it as soon as possible.
Location of Fuse Boxes
Interior Fuse Panel
The cabin fuse panel is beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the steering column and footwell. On right-hand-drive models, the position may be mirrored.
Switch off the ignition, then look for the small access cover below the dashboard. Release its clips carefully and remove the cover to reach the fuses. If a lower trim panel blocks access, remove it gently without tugging on any wiring.
Use the markings on the cover or the vehicle-specific fuse diagram to identify the fuse number, circuit, and amperage. This panel generally serves cabin and accessory circuits, but check the diagram for the exact assignments on your vehicle.
Engine-Compartment Fuse and Relay Box
The main engine-room fuse and relay box is under the hood, near the battery. With the ignition off, open the hood and locate the covered box. Release the retaining tabs and lift off the cover; avoid forcing the clips, which can become brittle with age.
This box contains fuses and relays for major vehicle systems, including engine, lighting, and other higher-current circuits. The cover may have a layout label, but compare it with the correct Toyota RAV4 relay diagram before removing a component. Depending on equipment and market, additional relays may be grouped in or near the engine-room fuse box.
Some relays may be part of a junction block rather than individually serviceable. Do not swap relays just because they look alike; confirm that their part numbers and specifications match.
Fuse Box Diagrams
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
List of fuses in the engine compartment
| № | Fuse | A | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RADIO | 15A | Car audio system |
| 2 | DOME | 10A | Clock, personal light, interior lights, air conditioning system, wireless remote control system, headlight high beam indicator light, gauges and meters |
| 3 | CUT | 30A | “RADIO” and “DOME” fuses |
| 4 | A/C | 5A | Air conditioning system |
| 5 | MAIN | 30A | “H-LP RH” and “H-LP LH” fuses |
| 6 | HAZ | 10A | Emergency flashers |
| 7 | ALT-S | 5A | Charging system |
| 8 | IGN | 15A | Starting system, multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system |
| 9 | EFI3 | 10A | Multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system, emission control system |
| 10 | EFI2 | 5A | Multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system |
| 11 | A/F | 20A | A/F sensor |
| 12 | ABS2 | 30A | Anti-lock brake system |
| 13 | EFI1 | 20A | Multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system, “EFI2” and “EFI3” fuses |
| 14 | H-LP RH | 10A | Right-hand headlight |
| 15 | H-LP LH | 10A | Left-hand headlight |
| 16 | ST | 5A | Starting system |
| 36 | RDI | 30A | Electric cooling fan |
| 37 | CDS | 30A | Electric cooling fan |
| 38 | AM2 | 30A | Discharge warning light, multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system, starting system, SRS airbag system and “IG2” fuse |
| 39 | ABS1 | 40A | Anti-lock brake system |
| 40 | HTR | 40A | Air conditioning system |
Instrument Panel Fuse Box
List of fuses in the instrument panel
| № | Fuse | A | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | STOP | 10A | Stop lights, high-mounted stoplight, anti-lock brake system, shift lock control system, multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system, cruise control system |
| 18 | CIG | 15A | Cigarette lighter |
| 19 | POWER OUTLET | 15A | Power outlets |
| 20 | S-HTR | 10A | No circuit |
| 21 | PANEL | 7.5A | Instrument panel light, gauges and meters, front fog lights, instrument panel light control, outside rear view mirror defoggers, air conditioning system |
| 22 | FR FOG | 15A | Front fog lights |
| 23 | HORN | 10A | Horn |
| 24 | TAIL | 7.5A | Tail lights, license plate lights, instrument cluster lights |
| 25 | TAIL&PANEL | 15A | “PANEL” and “TAIL” fuses |
| 26 | ACC | 7.5A | Car audio system, shift lock control system, clock, power rear view mirrors |
| 27 | DEF | 20A | Rear window defogger |
| 28 | GAUGE | 10A | Back-up lights, electric cooling fans, air conditioning system, automatic transmission indicator lights, charging system |
| 29 | OBD | 7.5A | On-board diagnosis system |
| 30 | IG2 | 10A | Discharge warning light, multiport fuel injection system / sequential multiport fuel injection system, starting system, SRS airbag system |
| 31 | DOOR | 20A | Power door lock system |
| 32 | MIR HTR | 10A | Outside rear view mirror defoggers |
| 33 | RR WIP | 15A | Rear window wiper and washer |
| 34 | WIP | 25A | Windshield wipers and washer |
| 35 | ECU | 10A | Emergency flashers, gauges and meters, anti-lock brake system, SRS airbag system, shift lock control system, cruise control system |
| 41 | PWR | 30A | Electric moon roof, power windows |
| 42 | AM1 | 40A | Power outlets, rear window defogger, “ACC”, “CIG”, “ECU IG”, “GAUGE”, “RR WIP”, “S-HTR” and “WIP” fuses |
Conclusion
The main Toyota RAV4 XA20 fuse box locations for 2001–2003 are beneath the driver-side dashboard and in the engine compartment near the battery. The engine-room box also contains many of the accessible relays.
Use the correct fuse and relay diagrams for your RAV4’s engine and equipment, and handle covers and components carefully. If you are unsure which fuse or relay to check, or a fuse keeps blowing, consult a qualified technician.
