I was changing the lights in my 2012 Countryman S to white led. I was changing the hatch light in the very back that’s on the right side. During changing them I accidentally touched the end of the needle nose to the lightbulb holder, and a spark happened and now the light doesn’t work back there. I also now have a warning for the passenger restraint system. The bulbs in the front where the ambient lightning control is also no longer work. Did I blow fuses and is there a way to figure out which ones I need? Or did I potentially mess up wiring in the whole car? Any help I’d appreciated.

 

Usually shorting wires yield a bad outcome...having said that, check ALL thee fuses behind the passenger kick panel. These bulbs are directly wired to the FRM and there might be a good chance the internal circuit could damaged. You could always by a used one with matching part numbers to at least see if everything go back to normal.

 

Well that sucks, definitely wasn’t worth just having led lights. I’ll check the fuses whenever I get home and off work today. That sounds more likely then just random fuses blowing. I just wasn’t sure if they’re were on the same fuse or something weird.

 

you can definitely clear the airbag codes or disconnect the battery to reset the modules (warning: the FRM might go dead...known issue with FRMs after reconnecting the battery, although it is a hit or miss.)

Generally speaking, there are wires the go from the airbag to the FRM for lights and some sensors...

 

So just disconnecting and reconnecting the battery can mess up the FRM? Don’t I have to disconnect the battery to remove the fuses to check if they are good/ when I’m replacing them?

 

you don't have to...but it is something to keep in mind...if you use a test light, that would be even safer. if the fuse is blown, just install it when the car is off. the ignition might have to be on for some fuses to get power and some fuses might be on the negative bus so you have to switch the tester to positive connection.

 

Ok thank you very much for your help

 

Stop using metal pliers to pull / install fuses. Get a proper plastic fuse tool at your local auto supply shop .... or Wally World.

 

Thank you, I haven’t worked on many different things involving electricity or cars and learned my lesson. I didn’t know there was power going to the areas around the bulb too. Now I know for future reference.

 

Ended up being a blown fuse. Once I installed a new fuse the error for the passenger restraint system went away and all the lights work again. Thank you all for your help