Didn't read the whole thread, but a poor ground has been the culprit in many of my electrical misadventures in the past. Just food for thought.

 

Well, i redid the entire wire harness to follow 4crawler's schematic. I knew that the diodes were directional, but could not find an absolute answer as to which direction was which and the radio shack staff were useless. Got it all installed today and no juice. I must have the diodes in backwards. Ugh!!! I'm getting my @$$ kicked on the homefront over how much time this is taking up.

 

I flipped the diodes and the harness works perfect! (Sigh!)

 

Excellent!