2020 Nissan Kicks Fuse Box Diagram

The fuse box in your 2020 Nissan Kicks is a critical component of its electrical system, acting as a safety net that protects circuits from overloads. Understanding its layout and function is invaluable for anyone who wants to perform basic electrical troubleshooting, install aftermarket accessories, or simply gain a deeper understanding of their vehicle. This guide provides a detailed look at the 2020 Nissan Kicks fuse box diagram, explaining its components, symbols, and real-world applications.

Why This Diagram Matters

Having a clear understanding of your Kicks' fuse box is more than just an academic exercise. It's a practical skill that can save you time, money, and frustration. Here's why it's important:

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems: When an electrical component malfunctions (e.g., a blown taillight, a non-functional power window, a dead cigarette lighter), the first place to check is the fuse box. A blown fuse is often the culprit and is easily replaceable.
Installing Aftermarket Accessories: Adding accessories like a dashcam, aftermarket stereo, or auxiliary lighting often requires tapping into the vehicle's electrical system. Knowing which fuse to use (and how to properly protect the circuit) is crucial for a safe and reliable installation.
Preventing Further Damage: A blown fuse indicates a potential problem. Ignoring it and simply replacing the fuse with a higher amperage one is dangerous and can lead to serious damage, including electrical fires. Understanding the diagram helps you identify the correct fuse and investigate the underlying issue.
General Vehicle Knowledge: For the DIY mechanic or car enthusiast, understanding the fuse box is a fundamental aspect of understanding your vehicle's overall design and function.

Key Specs and Main Parts

The 2020 Nissan Kicks typically has two fuse box locations:

Interior Fuse Box: Located inside the cabin, usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. This fuse box primarily houses fuses for interior components like the radio, power windows, interior lights, and accessories.
Engine Compartment Fuse Box: Located in the engine bay, near the battery. This fuse box contains fuses and relays for critical engine components, headlights, windshield wipers, and other essential systems.

Fuses are the primary protection devices. They contain a thin wire that melts and breaks the circuit when excessive current flows through it. This "blowing" of the fuse prevents damage to more expensive components.

Relays are electromechanical switches that use a small current to control a larger current. They are used to control high-power components like headlights, starter motors, and fuel pumps. Relays allow the vehicle's control systems to operate high-current devices without requiring large, expensive wiring throughout the car. A relay consists of a coil, a common contact, a normally open (NO) contact, and a normally closed (NC) contact.

The amperage rating (measured in Amps or "A") indicates the maximum current that a fuse can safely carry. It is crucial to use the correct amperage fuse for each circuit. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating than specified can allow excessive current to flow, potentially damaging components or even causing a fire. Using a lower amperage fuse will cause it to blow prematurely.

Understanding Fuse Box Symbols

Fuse box diagrams use a variety of symbols to represent different components and circuits. Understanding these symbols is essential for interpreting the diagram correctly.

Solid Lines: Generally represent the electrical wiring within the vehicle. The thickness of the line may or may not represent wire gauge.
Dashed Lines: Can represent a ground connection or a secondary circuit related to the primary one. It can also mean optional wiring or less critical connection.
Rectangles: Often represent fuses. The amperage rating is usually printed directly on the fuse or indicated in the diagram legend.
Squares or Rounded Rectangles: Typically represent relays. The diagram might identify the specific relay function (e.g., "Headlight Relay").
Circles: Often indicate a connector or a point of contact in the electrical system.
Icons: Small icons are used to represent the component that the fuse protects. Common icons include a lightbulb (for lights), a steering wheel (for power steering), a windshield (for wipers), etc. These are usually clearly explained in the fuse box diagram's legend.

Color-coding is also frequently used. While the exact color scheme can vary, common practices include:

Red: Often indicates a main power supply or a circuit that is always "hot" (i.e., receives power even when the ignition is off).
Blue: Might represent a circuit related to lighting or accessories.
Yellow: Could indicate a circuit related to the engine management system.
Black: Typically represents a ground connection.

The legend accompanying the fuse box diagram is the most important resource. It provides a detailed explanation of each fuse and relay, including its function, amperage rating, and location in the fuse box.

How It Works: The Electrical System in Brief

To truly understand the fuse box, it's helpful to grasp the basics of how the car's electrical system works. The battery provides the initial power source (typically 12 volts DC). From the battery, power is distributed throughout the vehicle through a network of wires. These wires connect to various electrical components, such as lights, motors, sensors, and control modules.

Each circuit is designed to carry a specific amount of current. If a fault occurs (e.g., a short circuit caused by damaged wiring), the current can suddenly increase dramatically. This is where the fuse comes into play. The fuse acts as a weak link in the circuit. When the current exceeds the fuse's amperage rating, the thin wire inside the fuse melts, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity. This prevents the excessive current from damaging the components connected to the circuit. This is why fuses are critical safety elements.

Relays are used to control high-current circuits using a low-current signal. The control module (e.g., the Engine Control Unit or ECU) sends a small current to the relay's coil, which creates an electromagnetic field. This field pulls the relay's contacts together, completing the high-current circuit and allowing power to flow to the component (e.g., the starter motor).

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting

Here's a simple troubleshooting scenario:

Problem: Your 2020 Nissan Kicks' cigarette lighter/power outlet is not working.

Consult the Diagram: Locate the interior fuse box diagram (usually in the owner's manual or available online). Identify the fuse that protects the cigarette lighter/power outlet circuit.
Locate the Fuse: Find the corresponding fuse in the fuse box based on the diagram's location and amperage rating.
Inspect the Fuse: Visually inspect the fuse. If the thin wire inside the fuse is broken or blackened, the fuse is blown. You may need to remove the fuse to inspect it properly. Use a fuse puller if available (often located inside the fuse box).
Replace the Fuse: Replace the blown fuse with a new fuse of the exact same amperage rating. Using the wrong amperage fuse can be dangerous.
Test the Circuit: Turn on the ignition and test the cigarette lighter/power outlet. If it now works, the problem was a blown fuse.
Investigate Further: If the fuse blows again immediately, there is likely a short circuit in the wiring or a faulty component connected to the circuit. Further troubleshooting is required to identify and fix the underlying problem. This may involve checking the wiring for damage, testing the power outlet itself, or consulting a qualified mechanic.

Safety Considerations

Working with a vehicle's electrical system can be dangerous. Here are some safety precautions to take:

Disconnect the Battery: Before working on any electrical circuit, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent accidental short circuits. Use proper insulated tools.
Use the Correct Fuses: Always replace a blown fuse with a fuse of the exact same amperage rating. Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, as this can overload the circuit and cause damage or a fire.
Avoid Water: Never work on the electrical system in wet conditions.
Be Careful with High-Current Circuits: Circuits like the starter motor and alternator carry very high currents. Exercise extreme caution when working on these circuits.
If in Doubt, Consult a Professional: If you are unsure about any aspect of electrical troubleshooting or repair, consult a qualified mechanic.

Specifically, be very careful when working with the fuel pump relay and ECU-related fuses. Incorrectly handling these components can cause serious engine problems or even prevent the car from starting.

We have the complete 2020 Nissan Kicks Fuse Box Diagram file available for download. This detailed diagram provides a comprehensive view of your vehicle's electrical system, making it an invaluable resource for troubleshooting and repairs.