At least I think that's what's going on...

2013 DJ 3.6 I inherited from a relative after it was run over a median and the whole front bumper had to be replaced. Prior to repair the car started and drove fine a 3 times including a week ago. Replaced all the fascia and one headlight assembly yesterday. Jumped in and sat for a few minutes plugging in an aux cable and listening to music before I tried to start it. Then when I did try, suddenly the dash display says "press CLUTCH and push start" (it's an automatic so no clutch) and the radio won't turn back on, it says to set car to run and wait for VIN verification, which never finishes even after 20+ minutes.

Troubleshooting: Installed a new battery, left it disconnected all night, pulled the PCM fuse, left it out for several hours, tried the 5-button press trick several times. Nothing changes. Pressing the brake and trying to start it clicks under the shifter and pauses for 1 seconds, then starts all over again. Won't start in neutral either.

The only 2 things I have even thought about electrically are that all of the passenger lamps are disconnected (4 wires plus a 5th small gray connector that I can't figure out where it goes) and I tried to remove the TIPM to inspect, but the wiring in the front is too tight so I replaced it.

Any ideas?

 

Ugh, solved. I'm going to embarrass myself but here goes: While replacing the bumper work I had to secure the wheel well splash guard so I drilled a hole for a plastic pin. Drilled right into the bundle of wires under the TIPM. I'll be splicing wires for a while here...