trunk fuse box?

Hey guys,
I have heard that there is a fuse box right by the battery in the rear trunk...has anyone ever accessed it? I can't find it for the life of me. I need to get to it to check if the fuse for the alternator is okay before I go off and replace the whole thing altogether...

I've never heard of one. The only fuse locations I know of are at the top of the glove box and in the e-box under the hood...

There isn't any fuse box in the trunk.

hrm..thanks for the responses. does anyone know where the alternator fuse is then? I checked the one in the glove compartment and it isn't there
I'd really hate to change an alternator only to find out that it could've been the fuse that's gone out

anyone know where the fuse for the left brake light???

Does no one know where the alternator fuse is???? if anyone knows, please let me know!

Open your glove compartment lid, there should be a fuse location diagram laid on top of it, the diagram shows in detail the ampere and the function of each fuse.

Originally Posted by taibinhvuong

Open your glove compartment lid, there should be a fuse location diagram laid on top of it, the diagram shows in detail the ampere and the function of each fuse.

of course i've checked in the glove compartment! if you have also looked at the diagram, you'd notice that there is no designated fuse for "alternator," which is why I am asking on this forum if anyone knows where it is.

"There are three locations for fuses on the E46:

-The fuse holder above the glove box
-The E-Box in the engine compartment
-In the trunk near the battery"


For the trunk fuse box, you'll need to remove the right-side molded carpeting to access it.

Originally Posted by GRIDLOCK

"There are three locations for fuses on the E46:

-The fuse holder above the glove box
-The E-Box in the engine compartment
-In the trunk near the battery"


For the trunk fuse box, you'll need to remove the right-side molded carpeting to access it.

gridlock if you know of the trunk BOX a pic would help since other post deny the existence of this fuse box in the trunk and no one has said they found it. I can't believe this thread has stopped w/o finding the answer to the originating question WHERE IS THE ALTERNATOR FUSE? Maybe there is not one!

Originally Posted by klixtokw

gridlock if you know of the trunk BOX a pic would help since other post deny the existence of this fuse box in the trunk and no one has said they found it. I can't believe this thread has stopped w/o finding the answer to the originating question WHERE IS THE ALTERNATOR FUSE? Maybe there is not one!

1. There is no fuse box in the trunk. There IS a single fuse, next to the battery, and it's a big one -- 200 amp. It's called F108 and it pretty much disconnects the battery when it blows.

2. There are 4-5 large fuses in the left side of engine compartment near the firewall. They handle things like the DME relay, fuel pump and fuel injection, MAF, oxygen sensors and position sensors.

3. Above the glovebox are dozens of fuses for all sorts of things throughout the car (this is what most people are familiar with). Above these are another half-dozen higher-amp fuses for ignition, lighting, ECM and transmission control.

4. You're right, there is no "alternator fuse." The alternator is integral to the electrical supply and can't just be cut out of the loop like a power window motor, etc.

There is never a fuse for an alternator on any car. It would not be correct to build one into the circuit.

What leads you to suspect the alternator needs to be replaced?
Let's work on your problem from that angle.

there should be a fuse location diagram laid on top of it

The fuse box in the trunk is behind the trunk liner on the right side. It contains a single 250amp fuse for the battery cables.

Originally Posted by glhx

The fuse box in the trunk is behind the trunk liner on the right side. It contains a single 250amp fuse for the battery cables.

Is it really possible to sleep from October until now?

For anyone's reference. I needed this info to get out the the sound deadener near the battery to change the rsm. This 250amp fuse box sits on op of it. To remove the fuse box......slide it straight up out of its holding tabs. Then pull forward.
There are no locks. It will give resistance

The smaller plug attached to it should have a cylindrical yellow housing.

At the bottom of that where you can't see, There is a holding lock. Push the lock about 1/16 of an inch sideways and pull the cylindrical housing straight up. A mirror would be helpful to see what you are doing.

Curious that I replaced the RSM's in my 330Ci without removing any of the items you've described here. Just cut a small access and flap back when finished.

I could have done that and in the future after knowing how fragile the deadener is I probably will.

Yeah, same goes for the deadener over the fuel pump access panel. Fell apart in my hands. Just touching it tore it every time.

Why not buy a Haney manual and look this stuff up? you can also use it for future reference.