Help! In need of some brain power to diagnose

In need of some big brains to help diagnose a weird series of events!

So yesterday I installed a Prinsu roof rack on my 2011 Access Cab, and when I got in the truck last night the dome light wouldn’t come on. So I then reached for the manual light switch, and still nothing. Then this morning I go to back up and the backup camera doesn’t come on.

So, in the process of drilling the holes for the roof rack along that valley where the weatherstripping is on the roof, did I nick an important wire that runs up the A-pillar to the lights/camera? Or is this unrelated and just a coincidence?

I’m no electrician but if I can get some advice on diagnosing and tracking down the source of the issue, I can figure out the fix.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

You'll probably have to pull the headliner and fix the wiring harness

Also a fuse may be out as well if you did in fact hit the harness.

 

Check the 7.5A dome fuse first.
Let us know what you find.

If it's blown, you likely hit some wires.
If not, we'll continue diagnosing from there.

 

Once the rain stops I’ll go check on the fuse and report back. Thank you!

 

Yup, dome fuse is blown. Any advice on pulling the headliner back on the driver side? I think I know exactly where I nicked the harness.

Also, when I do get access to the harness/wire, what am I looking at for a fix? Can I just twist the wires together and electrical tape over, or what is the protocol here? And do I need to disconnect the battery before fixing the damaged wire?

 

@TnShooter @six5crèéd

 

Try this video, I know it's about a leaking sunroof but the removal should be the same for the headliner. Hopefully you can do just enough to get the wires fixed. Get a butt splicer and some heat shrink tubing to reconnect them. I would disconnect the battery before messing with the wires to prevent further damage, just to be safe.


https://youtu.be/MVJW0XM2x24?si=Y4v1ccAHpo_LKKft

 

I would NOT twist the wires and tape them.
I'd use a butt connector and heat shrink.
Or at a minimum, butt connector and tape.

Ideally, you'd want to solder them. But realistically, most guys don't. (Even me)

 

Roger that. You guys rock, thank you so much. Will report back on how things go

 

Found the bastard…damn. I feel like an idiot, but I used drill bit collars and still managed to bust through the wiring harness. Feels like Prinsu could be a bit more forewarning about this harness being directly beneath this front bolt mounting holes. They do say not to drill too deep, but no where near the warning needed. I would have been WAY more careful if I’d known.

Anyways, not that big a deal to access, but let’s see if I have enough length to fix this.

 

Don't beat yourself up about it, you aren't the 1st person to do it and won't be the last

 

It happens. Not the end of the world.
At least you can get to it kind of easily.
It'll will be fine. Crimp them back together and call it a day.

 

Almost center punched it, impressive shot

 

@six5crèéd @TnShooter thank you both, you made this way easier than it could have been

 

Haha surprisingly clean cuts. Expected it to be shredded

 

Ahh errant drill bits, so fun! well I guess you didn’t necessarily go off track but the unwanted unseen obstacles, hey on the plus side if you have the headliner off you could go over kill on sealing the holes, just a thought