47-59 i give up. i need help.

[dsraven]

absolutely right mr48. problem is, evilkc hasn't gotten back to us with what exactly is going on with the circuits back there with the light taken out of the equation. do both circuits power up independently of each other. kinda sounds like it but no test results with the tail light unplugged and a test light used on each circuit independently. it's easier to start at the rear and do those tests first to eliminate an internal light housing wiring issue since that only takes minutes. if all good then go to the column like you are saying. it's a couple of minutes at the back bent down before sliding in on the floor on your belly or your back or cramped under the column. likely gonna end up there anyway but those couple of minutes out back are for peace of mind and verification
different folks troubleshoot different ways for different reasons but in the end usually get the same conclusions.