Nissan Altima 2003 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 Nissan Altima 2003, 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.
Instrument Panel Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engine Control Module, Injectors, Body Control Module (BCM) | 10 |
| 2 | Not Used | |
| 3 | Not Used | |
| 4 | Not Used | |
| 5 | Power Socket | 15 |
| 6 | Audio, Body Control Module (BCM), Door Mirror Remote Control Switch, AV Switch, Combination Meter, Display Control Unit, NAVI Control Unit, Triple Meter, Satellite Radio Tuner | 10 |
| 7 | Cigarette Lighter | 15 |
| 8 | Door Mirror (LH, RH) | 10 |
| 9 | Daytime Running Lights | 10 |
| 10 | Blower Motor, Front Air Control | 15 |
| 11 | Blower Motor, Front Air Control | 15 |
| 12 | Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) Brake Switch, ASCD Clutch Switch, Body Control Module (BCM), Display Control Unit, Data Link Connector, Daytime Running Lights, Front Air Control, Headet Seat Relay, NAVI Control Unit, Park Neutral Position Switch, Rear Window Defogger Relay, Starter Relay, Shift Lock Control Unit | 10 |
| 13 | Air Bag Diagnosis Sensor Unit, Occupant Classification System Control Unit | 10 |
| 14 | Combination Meter, Park Neutral Position Switch, Auto Dimming Inside Mirror, Back-Up Lamp Switch (Manual Transmission), Triple Meter | 10 |
| 15 | Not Used | |
| 16 | Not Used | |
| 17 | NAVI Control Unit | 10 |
| 18 | Not Used | |
| 19 | Combination Meter, AV Switch, Display Control Unit, Data Link Connector, Front Air Control, Homelink Universal Transceiver, Security Indicator Light, Shift Lock Control Unit, Transmission Control Module (TCM), Triple Meter, Vanity Mirror Lights | 10 |
| 20 | Stop Lamp Switch | 10 |
| 21 | Automatic Transmission Device, Body Control Module (BCM), Key Switch, Key Lock Solenoid, Shift Lock Control Unit | 10 |
| 22 | Not Used | |
| Relays | Spare | |
| R1 | Blower | |
| R2 | Accessory |
Engine Compartment Fuse Box #1 Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Rear Window Defogger Relay | 20 |
| 33 | A/C Relay | 10 |
| 34 | IPDM E/R CPU | 15 |
| 35 | Engine Control Module (ECM), ECM Relay, NATS Antenna Amplifier | 15 |
| 36 | Headlamp Low (Left) | 15 |
| 37 | Rear Window Defogger Relay | 20 |
| 38 | Headlamp High (Left), Daytime Running Lights | 10 |
| 39 | Front Wiper Relay | 20 |
| 40 | Headlamp High (Right), Daytime Running Lights | 10 |
| 41 | Tail Lamp Relay (Parking Lamp, License Lamp, Tail Lamp) | 10 |
| 42 | EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve, EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve, Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve (VK35DE), VIAS Control Solenoid Valve (VK35DE) | 10 |
| 43 | Front Fog Lamp Relay | 15 |
| 44 | Throttle Control Motor Relay | 15 |
| 45 | Headlamp Low (Right) | 15 |
| 46 | Air Fuel Ratio Sensor, Heated Oxygen Sensor | 15 |
| 47 | Washer Motor | 10 |
| 48 | A/T PV Ignition Relay, Revolution Sensor, Turbine Revolution Sensor | 10 |
| 49 | ABS | 10 |
| 50 | Fuel Pump Relay | 15 |
| Relays | Spare | |
| R1 | Engine Control Module | |
| R2 | Headlamp High | |
| R3 | Headlamp Low | |
| R4 | Starter | |
| R5 | Ignition | |
| R6 | Cooling Fan (No.1) | |
| R7 | Cooling Fan (No.3) | |
| R8 | Cooling Fan (No.2) | |
| R9 | Throttle Control Motor | |
| R10 | Fuel Pump | |
| R11 | Front Fog Lamp |
Engine Compartment Fuse Box #2 Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | Not Used | |
| 25 | Horn Relay | 15 |
| 26 | Generator | 10 |
| 27 | Not Used | |
| 28 | VQ35DE: Front Electronic Controlled Engine Mount, Rear Electronic Controlled Engine Mount | 10 |
| 29 | Heated Seat Relay | 15 |
| 30 | Not Used | |
| 31 | Audio | 15 |
| F | Body Control Module (BCM) | 50 |
| G | ABS | 30 |
| H | ABS | 30 |
| I | Not Used | |
| J | Not Used | |
| K | Cooling Fan Relay (No.1, 2, 3) | 40 |
| L | Cooling Fan Relay (No.1, 3) | 40 |
| M | Ignition Switch | 40 |
| Relays | Spare | |
| R1 | Horn |
Fusible Link Block Fuse Box
| Fuse # | Function | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| A | Generator, Fuses D, E | 120 |
| B | Ignition Relay (Fuses 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50), Fuses 33, 34, 35, 37 | 80 |
| C | Accessory Relay (Fuses 5, 6, 7), Blower Relay (Fuses 10, 11), Fuses 17, 19, 20, 21 | 60 |
| D | Headlamp High Relay (Fuses 38, 40), Headlamp Low Relay (Fuses 36, 45), Fuses 32, 39, 41, 43, 44 | 80 |
| E | Fuses D, L, K, M, 28, 29 31 | 100 |
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.