Taillights inop - '16 TRDOR - a little help?

Short story : In the process of moving power to a new plate light found the rear running lights are inop on both sides. Brake lights and turn signals work.

Long story : I'm running a tire swingout that blocks the license plate in the factory location so the plate has been moved to a new location, but a location without a plate light. I disconnected the drivers side plate light bulb assembly, verified a two wire lead and clipped the bulb fixture off, intending to extend the lead to a new weather proof disconnect then on to the new plate light. I assume all was well to that point, but upon turning on the truck lights found that none of the rear running lights work.

Could clipping that one bulb fixture off have crashed all the rear running lights?

Is if possible the two things are unconnected and my rear runners have not been working? (I have no way of knowing that, but don't really think so...)

Anyone have any idea how I may have angered the electrons?

Help!

 

Did you have power to it when you decided to clip it? And if so, did you clip both wires at once?

If you did, you shorted the circuit with the wire cutters and probably popped a fuse.

Check there first, then report back.

 

I bet what you did caused the no light problem. Check all of the fuses first and then put that light back where it was and start over. I think some systems have power to them all of the time and when you turn on the switch it grounds them.

 

Funny. I never even thought about checking the fuse. Thanks for the clear thinking.

 

Are you like me, I get upset and then I can't think straight

 

Usually it takes a lot to get me spun, but I tried doing this last night and just as I hit the point of no return it started to downpour. I now know that laying in the driveway soaking wet on a soaking wet blanket trying to hammer out electrical work may not be my strong suit.

 

You can fix this, it's no big deal!

 

Where are you in NY? I am 30 miles west of Albany if u need help!

 

100% correct. I had lights off when I clipped, but had to turn them on to figure which lead (white/green) was live. I know the bare leads hit each other when my (very wet) hands slipped. That had to have been it.

You're awesome for offering. I'm in Rochester but won't put you out for this. I'll get it handled tonight. Thanks!