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2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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RJC
New User
Mar 18, 2012, 7:52 AM
Post #1 of 8
(2291 views)
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2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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2011
Chevrolet
Impala
6 Cylinder
100 Miles - New
Hey Guys.
My brother works in a law enforcement capacity and he just recently purchased the above-listed car for his personal use. He bought a kit, especially designed for his particular vehicle, to mount a police-type adjustable spotlight to the divider between the windshield and the driver side window.
The kit came with a very precise template and he successfully attached the mount. It also comes with a bushing to help guide a 1/2" drill through. He was thinking about doing this himself but I recommended that he have a pro drill the hole (at least) before the kit gets mounted.
My question is (and I have researched this before coming here), is there a possibility of wiring buses routed through that area? If so, any advice?
I'm a technician by trade, but I work in Industrial HVAC. So I am no stranger to tools and wiring and repairs. We just don't want either him OR the pros to drill through a wiring bus.
I've had no luck finding a physical connection diagram that shows the way the wires are routed through the vehicle. I've found electrical ladder diagrams which are of no help in showing "where" the wires are connected only "how" they are connected.
Thanks for any help.
Ryan
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 18, 2012, 8:00 AM
Post #2 of 8
(2276 views)
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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Wiring is never enclosed inside inaccessible places in a car. If there is any wiring there, it will be right under the inside trim panel and even that is unlikely.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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RJC
New User
Mar 18, 2012, 8:36 AM
Post #3 of 8
(2260 views)
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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Thank you for your reply.
I assumed, like you said, that the wiring wouldn't be placed in an inaccessible location.
I took a quick look at the trim and was a bit uneasy about trying to pry things off to look. (being that it is a new car, sometimes clips, springs will break/bend).
That is why I was trying to locate either:
- a diagram that shows where the wiring buses run
- a person who says 'somewhat' definitely that "No, wires don't run there in the 2011 Impala".
Either of those could prevent him from having to pry apart the interior.
Absent that sort of confirmation, though, I agree with you, we will have to have a "looksee" under the panel. (which might be the prudent thing to do anyway).
Again, thanks for your quick response. Nice to meet you. :)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 18, 2012, 8:42 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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The inside trim uses clips that snap into slotted holes and they can be very tight. Slip a large screwdriver or small prybar under the trim in the area it is anchored and push the trim off by from the general area of the clip and it will come off without damage. Make sure there are no screws under removable caps first. The diagram you request doesn't exist.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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RJC
New User
Mar 18, 2012, 9:07 AM
Post #5 of 8
(2240 views)
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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Thank you very much, Hammer Time.
Will do...carefully. 
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 18, 2012, 5:00 PM
Post #6 of 8
(2164 views)
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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Unless the vehicle was prepped for the Police Option, there will be no wiring for the spotlight. You will have to find an open fuse slot with one side hot and wire to the back of the panel, then insert fuse. Or uf you want to jakeleg it, piggyback off some other power source. I would not recommend the latter. If you are going to add an electrical circuit that draws that amount of amperage, it needs to be on its own fuse. Good luck.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 18, 2012, 5:10 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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He was just worried about drilling through wires Tom.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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RJC
New User
Mar 18, 2012, 6:48 PM
Post #8 of 8
(2144 views)
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Re: 2011 Chevy Impala (Spotlight Modification / Wiring Concern)
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Hey Way2Old,
Good advice there. This is my brother's little venture. The guy is about as technical as a treefrog. He likes to jump headlong into stuff he shouldn't really even be touching. For instance, he called me about six months ago after he decided to "change" the receptacles in his living room.
Of course, by "change", he meant, kill the panel, and cut the wires. Yep, you heard me right, lol.
I had to go in with my meter (because there were several sets of romex piggybacking through the walls) and painstakingly redetermine his circuitry. Frankly, he's a bit of an idiot. But I like to save him from impending disasters when I can.
He was actually considering drilling this hole himself. I think I have effectively talked him out of it and referred him to a local shop that does all of the work for the police vehicles in our area. They should be familiar with the task at hand.
And hey, good point on the electrical. That spotlight is definitely going to need a dedicated circuit drawing that much amperage. I'll let Bro figure that one out on his own. Of course, the place that drills it out is probably going to tell him that. And no, this is not the vehicle that is prepped with the police package. I just wanted to make sure he didn't do irreparable damage to his personal car. He works in "heavily armed" security so on any given day he is half-cop and half-paramilitary, lol.
Anyway, thanks for the sound advice. Nice forum here. :)
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