Toyota Highlander XU50 Fuses: Complete Guide 2013-2019

ByAlex Smidt

The Toyota Highlander XU50 generation, produced from 2013 to 2019, uses a multi-box fuse and relay system to protect its electrical circuits. Understanding the fuse layout is essential for diagnosing electrical failures, replacing blown fuses correctly, and avoiding damage to sensitive components. This guide covers every fuse box location, every fuse rating, and every circuit function for all XU50 variants including standard, hybrid (HV), and Limited trim levels.

Fuse Box Locations on the Toyota Highlander XU50

The XU50 Highlander has three primary fuse and relay boxes:

  • Engine Compartment Fuse Box (Main Relay Box) – located on the left side of the engine bay, near the battery
  • Instrument Panel Fuse Box (Driver Side) – located under the dashboard on the driver’s left side, behind a removable cover
  • Hybrid Battery Fuse Box (HV models only) – located in the rear cargo area near the high-voltage battery assembly

Engine Compartment Fuse Box – Full Fuse List

This box contains high-amperage fuses and relays protecting major systems. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before servicing fuses in this box.

  • ALT – 120A – Alternator charge circuit
  • AM1 – 80A – Main battery feed to ignition system
  • AM2 – 60A – Secondary battery feed circuit
  • EFI NO.1 – 15A – Electronic fuel injection system 1
  • EFI NO.2 – 15A – Electronic fuel injection system 2
  • HTR – 40A – Heater blower motor
  • IGN – 30A – Ignition switch circuit
  • MAIN – 40A – Engine main relay feed
  • MG-CL – 30A – Magnetic clutch (A/C compressor)
  • ABS NO.1 – 30A – ABS actuator motor pump
  • ABS NO.2 – 10A – ABS ECU and sensors
  • ECU-IG – 10A – Engine ECU ignition feed
  • ECU-B – 10A – Engine ECU battery backup
  • DCDC – 30A – DC-DC converter (HV models)
  • HV BATT – 10A – Hybrid battery management ECU (HV models)
  • VSC – 20A – Vehicle stability control actuator
  • HORN – 10A – Horn relay and circuit
  • COOLING FAN NO.1 – 40A – Radiator cooling fan motor 1
  • COOLING FAN NO.2 – 30A – Radiator cooling fan motor 2
  • DEF – 40A – Rear window defogger
  • WIPER – 30A – Front windshield wiper motor
  • POWER OUTLET – 15A – Engine bay 12V power outlet
  • DRL – 10A – Daytime running lights
  • HEADLAMP LH – 15A – Left headlight assembly
  • HEADLAMP RH – 15A – Right headlight assembly
  • FOG LAMP – 15A – Front fog lights
  • TAIL – 10A – Tail, parking and license plate lights

Instrument Panel (Interior) Fuse Box – Full Fuse List

This box is accessible by opening the lower left dashboard cover. It handles interior, infotainment, and comfort system circuits.

  • 1 – 7.5A – SRS airbag ECU
  • 2 – 15A – Power windows rear
  • 3 – 20A – Power windows front
  • 4 – 10A – Door locks and keyless entry
  • 5 – 10A – Interior lights, map lights, dome lamp
  • 6 – 7.5A – Instrument cluster and gauges
  • 7 – 10A – Backup camera and display system
  • 8 – 15A – Cigarette lighter / accessory socket 1
  • 9 – 15A – Accessory socket 2 (rear)
  • 10 – 10A – Audio head unit and amplifier
  • 11 – 10A – Navigation system and display
  • 12 – 7.5A – Bluetooth and telematics module
  • 13 – 10A – Climate control panel (HVAC unit)
  • 14 – 20A – Heated front seats
  • 15 – 15A – Heated rear seats
  • 16 – 10A – Ventilated seats (Limited trim)
  • 17 – 7.5A – Steering column controls and tilt motor
  • 18 – 10A – Driver side power mirror
  • 19 – 10A – Passenger side power mirror
  • 20 – 10A – Rain-sensing wipers module
  • 21 – 15A – OBD-II diagnostic port power
  • 22 – 10A – TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system)
  • 23 – 7.5A – Pre-collision system (PCS) sensor
  • 24 – 10A – Lane departure alert (LDA) camera
  • 25 – 10A – Adaptive cruise control (ACC) radar
  • 26 – 15A – Power liftgate motor and sensors
  • 27 – 10A – Sunroof / moonroof motor
  • 28 – 7.5A – Security system and alarm
  • 29 – 10A – Trailer wiring harness socket (if equipped)
  • 30 – 20A – Third row power fold seats (if equipped)

Hybrid-Specific Fuse Information (HV Models)

On the Highlander Hybrid (AWD-i) XU50, there is an additional service plug and fuse assembly in the cargo area. Never touch the orange high-voltage cables. The standard 12V fuse boxes also include these additional circuits:

  • HV ECU – 10A – Main hybrid system ECU
  • INV – 30A – Inverter cooling pump
  • MG1 / MG2 – Protected by internal inverter – Motor-generator units (not user-serviceable)
  • SMR (System Main Relay) – High-voltage relay, not a fuse – Connects HV battery to drive system

Fuse Types Used in the XU50 Highlander

  • Mini blade fuses (low-profile) – used in the interior panel box, colour-coded by amperage
  • Standard blade fuses (ATC/ATO) – used in select positions in the engine box
  • High-current bolt-type fusible links – AM1, AM2, ALT, used for main power feeds
  • Maxi blade fuses – used for mid-range circuits like HTR, DEF, WIPER

Fuse Colour Code Reference

  • Grey – 2A
  • Violet – 3A
  • Pink – 4A
  • Tan / Brown – 5A
  • Light brown – 7.5A
  • Red – 10A
  • Blue – 15A
  • Yellow – 20A
  • Clear / White – 25A
  • Green – 30A
  • Orange – 40A
  • Red (Maxi) – 50A
  • Blue (Maxi) – 60A

How to Identify and Replace a Blown Fuse

  • Turn the ignition to OFF before inspecting any fuse
  • Use the fuse puller tool stored inside the interior fuse box cover
  • Hold the fuse up to light – a broken metal strip inside indicates a blown fuse
  • Always replace with the exact same amperage rating – never uprate a fuse
  • If the replacement fuse blows immediately, there is a short circuit in the protected circuit that must be diagnosed before replacing again
  • Spare fuses are stored in the interior fuse panel in designated slots – check your owner’s manual for their location

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