Continue to troubleshoot or start from scratch?

Unplug everything.

Pick one, plug it in, see what works, see what gets hot. There are three connectors at the bulkhead, grease them and see which one is under hood, one is interior, and the other is other stuff. I'd start by plugging one, then another, then the last, and see if anything goes crappy. Then hook up one thing at time. Brake lights are easy, they have power all the time due to hazard light switch.

This is also your chance to INSPECT EVERY CONNECTOR FOR SIGNS OF HEAT OR MELTING.


Keep going till you get your problem circuit. Fix that.

Also, your starter issue could be your neutral safety switch.