004: Lights and Interior Trouble shooting

Today.

Trying to figure out why the reverse and tail lights won't work. Apparently [the reverse lights] get power directly from the switch on the tranny. I pulled the fuses yesterday, all seemed good. All relays are there as well. Pulled the center console as well as the gauges that were there. I thought the oil pressure sender was installed, and then I realize that that lump of wires next to the e-brake was the hookup. The way they wired the gauges is pretty ridiculous. Why would you run power to the gauge lights in series? ugh. At least I got a volt meter and an oil press gauge! Now to obtain the sender.

Anyway, back to the taillights.

So yesterday morning I pulled the interior dimmer/headlight switch. Why you ask? Well, that's a very good question. Now, I'm not really sure, but the reason that I thought it might be the switch was because if you wiggled it around while in the on position, the instrument cluster lights would go out. Maybe the tail light was having the same issue. I opened it up, cleaned it and tested the connections. Everything seems great, except when I install it today, the tail lights STILL don't work. Looks like I'll be busting out the multimeter more tomorrow. W00T CHRISTMAS!

After looking at bentley for a few minutes tonight, I think the tail light issue might be the rear check relay. I'll be checking that tomorrow as well. The battery is on the charger, since the alternator can't do it's job that well. :)

So plans to get done tomorrow, after opening presents of course, are the following:
-Diagnose tail light issue
-Diagnose reverse light issue
-setup wiring for fuel pump switch
-pull driver's door interior... maybe.

Total? I didn't spend money today! :D
$658.