Help! I think I killed my switch dimming circuit.

[DontKickTrees]

So Im an idiot. I have an opt7 LED bar wired up to an AOB switch. The light bar harness draws power straight from the battery so it works with ignition off. Initially I didn't bother trying to wire in the switch illumination to the trucks dimmer circuit and everything was fine, but this morning I got the idea to try to tap the green and grey wires of the wiper defroster switch and of course I jacked something up. Im not sure exactly what I did, I probably got confused and tried to connect the wrong wire to the dimming circuit. Now none of my stock switches illuminate when I turn on the headlights. the gauges and stereo still light up and dim but the button lights are hosed. So obviously I suck and feel free to mock me, but if you have any ideas what I damaged and how to fix it, (or if there is a good shop in the L.A. area you know of) please let me know. As far as I can tell everything else in the car is working fine.

 

[flyrv9]

Well first up check all the fuses after you disconnect your last connection. That means both fuse boxes - the one by the E brake pedal and the one under the hood. By check, I mean pull each one out one at a time and check them with an ohm meter. They should all read a direct short. I know you can usually see if the fuse is blown; but sometimes it's not easy to tell; so pulling them out is the best way. Don't pull relays or fuses that are bolted in.

If all is good then you'll need a drawing of the switch illumination circuit to troubleshoot. There are maint manual links in the sticky by Nashman. There are electrical drawings in there, but they are for 2010 and may not work for 2017. In that case you may have to get a one day subscription to Toyota manuals and download all you can.

 

[DontKickTrees]

Thank you! I found a blown fuse in the box under by the parking brake pedal. It was the "panel" fuse, go figure. I'll go grab a replacement and see if that does it.

 

[flyrv9]

Good job - it looks like you found the problem. I'd get an assortment of fuses and keep them in the truck. They're real handy on trips. Also be sure to check your wiring before powering things back on.

 

[DontKickTrees]

Sure enough the new fuse fixed it. I bought a small variety pack of fuses that will now live in my glove box. Thanks again! So glad it wasn't something more expensive. Learned my lesson about digging in to the electrics without doing my homework.