Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Fuse Replacement
Having an electrical issue? It could be a blown fuse — an easy fix you can do yourself.
Follow the steps below to find and replace the fuse:
Step 1: Find the Fuse Box
In your Chevrolet Malibu 2012, the interior fuse box is typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side. Some vehicles also have an additional fuse box in the engine compartment. Check your owner's manual or the fuse box cover for the exact location.
Step 2: Identify the Corresponding Fuse
Below is the complete fuse list for your vehicle. Find the circuit that isn't working and note the fuse number and amperage.
Passenger Compartment Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| POWERMIRRORS | Power Mirrors | |
| EPS | Electric Power Steering | |
| RUN/CRANK | Cruise Control Switch, Passenger Airbag Status Indicator | |
| HVACBLOWERHIGH | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Blower – High Speed Relay | |
| CLUSTER/THEFT | Instrument Panel Cluster, Theft Deterrent System | |
| ONSTAR | OnStar (If Equipped) | |
| NOTINSTALLED | Not Used | |
| AIRBAGIGN | Airbag (Ignition) | |
| HVACCTRLBATT | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control Diagnostic Link Connector (Battery) | |
| PEDAL | Not Used | |
| WIPERSW | Windshield Wiper/ Washer Switch | |
| IGNSENSOR | Ignition Switch | |
| STRGWHLILLUM | Steering Wheel Illumination | |
| NOTINSTALLED | Not Used | |
| RADIO | Audio System | |
| INTERIORLIGHTS | Interior Lamps | |
| NOTINSTALLED | Not Used | |
| POWERWINDOWS | Power Windows | |
| HVACCTRLIGN | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control (Ignition) | |
| HVACBLOWER | Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Blower Switch | |
| DOORLOCK | Door Locks | |
| ROOF/HEATSEAT | Sunroof, Heated Seat | |
| NOTINSTALLED | Not Used | |
| NOTINSTALLED | Not Used | |
| AIRBAGBATT | Airbag (Battery) | |
| SPAREFUSEHOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder | |
| SPAREFUSEHOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder | |
| SPAREFUSEHOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder | |
| SPAREFUSEHOLDER | Spare Fuse Holder | |
| FUSEPULLER | Fuse Puller |
Engine Compartment Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Conditioning Clutch | |
| 2 | Electronic Throttle Control | |
| 3 | Spare | 2008 |
| 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 | Spare | 2008 |
| 52 | AIR Solenoid | |
| 54 | Regulated Voltage Control | |
| 55 | DC/AC Inverter | |
| 56 | Antilock Brake System BATT | |
| Relays | Spare | |
| 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 | Spare | |
| 27 | Wiper |
Luggage Compartment Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Spare | |
| 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 | |
| 38Diode | Cargo Lamp |
Step 3: Check the Fuse
Use the plastic fuse puller, typically found in the fuse box, to remove the fuse. Hold it up to a light source. If the metal filament inside is broken or charred, the fuse is bad and needs to be replaced.
Step 4: How to Get a Replacement
You can buy a replacement fuse at any auto parts store. Make sure you match the **amperage (A)** and **physical size** of the fuse exactly. For example, if you need a 20A fuse, get a 20A fuse.
Step 5: Replace the Fuse
Gently press the new fuse into the empty slot. You should feel a slight click when it's securely in place. Test the affected circuit to confirm it's working again.
What Now?
Fuse Was Blown — What to Buy
Ask at any auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto) for a blade fuse with the same amperage printed on the old one (e.g., 10A, 15A, 20A). Also match the physical size — mini (most modern cars), standard, or maxi. Replacement fuses cost under $5 and most stores sell assorted packs.
Fuse Looks Fine — Other Causes
If the fuse is intact, the problem isn't a blown fuse. Common alternatives include a bad relay (a click-sized electrical switch), a faulty wiring connection, or a failed component (motor, switch, module). At this point, a mechanic's diagnostic is the most reliable next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I put in the wrong amperage fuse?
Higher amperage fuses won't protect the circuit and can cause wiring damage or fire. Lower amperage fuses will blow again immediately. Always match the exact amperage.
Why does my fuse keep blowing?
A repeatedly blown fuse indicates an underlying short circuit or overload. Replacing it again won't fix the root cause — consult a mechanic.
Do I need any tools?
Most cars come with a plastic fuse puller in the fuse box lid. If not, fine-tip needle-nose pliers work. A small flashlight helps.
How do I know what size fuse to buy?
Match the amperage printed on the old fuse (e.g., 10A, 15A, 20A) and the physical blade size (mini, standard, maxi). Auto parts stores carry assorted packs.