A little help, please!

[PostalBGraham]

My sill plate, the chrome piece that goes in under the door where you step into the vehicle, was missing the front interior screw. The hole in the plate did not match the bracket in the body. I drilled a small hole and put in a screw. As I was screwing it in, I got a spark. I'm no MENSA candidate, but I know that's not right. I checked all the electrical systems that I could think of; wipers, lights, horn, turn signals.

Four hours later, as I was leaving church, I noticed the interior light under the dash would not go out. I opened and closed the doors, and the light was still on. I messed with the headlight knob to adjust the intensity of the interior lights, and I could get the under the dash light to go out, but then the lights at the base of the rear seat came on! I drove home and removed the screw. The lights at the base of the rear seat went out, and I cannot get them back on. The light under the dash goes out, except when the headlights are on, then it just goes dim. I have no light on my gear selector. I have not dash panel lights. I have no tail lights or brake lights. I do have back up lights. All of my gauges work, just no lighting. I plan on checking all the fuses when I get off work. Does it sound like I may have messed the wiring up? Any opinions? :sad:

 

[AdamR]

Id pull the sill plate and kick panle out and make sure you didnt nick the wiring harness. It should run under the carpet right in that area.

 

[PostalBGraham]

I'm headed to my mechanic's place after work. I was going to check fuses first. I was afraid the wiring ran through the rocker panel. If it's under the carpet, I'll find it. Thanks!

 

[sefus]

Yep I'd bet on that screw going right through some wiring. Let us know!

 

[PostalBGraham]

I removed the sill plate and kick panel. The screw had damaged two wires. I stripped and spliced them and taped everything up. I replaced one of the 20 amp fuses and got interior lights back as well as tail lights and brake lights. But when I got home and in the dark garage, my instrument panel and gear selector lights are not working. The fuse is only 2 amp, and does not appear to be damaged, but it's so small, it must be. I'll have to pick up one tomorrow in town. I have extra 10 and 20 amp, but no 2s or 4s.]

Thanks for the help.