The 1987 Toyota pickup typically uses two fuse boxes: an under-hood fuse/relay box on the driver’s side near the firewall, and an interior fuse box located inside the cab on the driver’s side dash area. These are the standard locations used on most 1987 pickups, though exact positioning can vary slightly by engine and trim.
To understand where to look and how to access them, this article outlines the two main fuse locations, how to identify fuses and relays, and what to do if a fuse blows. Always exercise caution when working around electrical systems and consult a service manual for your exact engine code (for example, 22R or other configurations) if you need precise diagrams.
Under-hood fuse box
The primary fuse/relay box under the hood is mounted on the driver’s side near the firewall or inner fender. It is protected by a plastic cover labeled FUSE or FUSES and houses the main fuses and several relays for essential systems.
Before you dive into the under-hood fuse box, here is how to approach it:
- Open the hood and locate the black plastic fuse box on the driver’s side inner fender or near the firewall.
- Remove the cover by prying the tab or unclipping the fasteners; the underside of the cover shows a labeled fuse map with amperage ratings.
- Check each fuse visually or with a multimeter. Replace any blown fuse with the exact amperage rating specified on the map.
- If your model uses relays in the same housing, identify the relay corresponding to the system you’re troubleshooting and swap with a known-good unit if needed.
Accessing the under-hood fuse box is generally straightforward and can be done with basic hand tools. When replacing fuses, ensure the battery is disconnected if you’re working near wiring loops or if you're performing other electrical work to avoid shorts.
Interior fuse box
The interior fuse box for the 1987 Toyota pickup is located inside the cab on the driver’s side dash area. In many configurations, it sits behind a kick-panel or just behind the glove box, with a removable cover that lists the circuit labels and fuse ratings.
Before interacting with the interior box, keep these steps in mind:
- Look along the lower driver’s side dash, near the steering column, or behind the knee bolster for a removable panel or cover.
- Remove the interior cover to reveal the fuse layout and ratings printed on the inside.
- Pull the blown fuse straight out with a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers; insert a new fuse with the same amperage rating.
- If there are relays in the same housing or nearby, identify and handle them according to the labeling on the box or in the manual.
The interior fuse box protects several cabin and auxiliary circuits. If a fuse repeatedly blows, there may be a short or faulty component in the circuit that requires diagnosis beyond simply swapping fuses. A factory manual or reputable repair guide for your exact model year and engine can provide the precise map and fuse ratings.
What the labeling usually means
Labeling on both fuse boxes typically includes circuit names like IGN (ignition), ACC (accessories), B/L (battery/line), lights, horn, and various interior circuits. When in doubt, defer to the fuse map printed on the cover and replace with the correct amperage as specified.
Notes for the 1987 model year
While the two-box setup described above is standard, the exact layout can vary by engine option and market. Some 1987 Toyota pickups may have minor differences in fuse box positioning or cover labeling. If you can’t locate the fuse box by the generalized locations, consult the owner’s manual, a factory service manual, or an online wiring diagram specific to your engine code (for example, 22R or 3.0L variants).
Summary
In short, your 1987 Toyota pickup typically has two fuse boxes: an under-hood box on the driver’s side near the firewall and an interior box inside the cab on the driver’s side dash area. Access both by removing their respective covers and consulting the fuse maps for correct ratings. If fuses keep blowing, diagnose underlying electrical faults or consult a repair resource specific to your engine and trim to ensure accurate replacement and safe handling.