I definitely get that. The socket is grounded back at the cowl. I understand that current can flow in either direction. I just don't get why the socket is not wired conventionally. (power applied to the bulb tip)
I think as Redfish said, the socket is not wired as other sockets are. Usually the outer part of the housing on the bulb is metal and contacts the outer part of the socket that then contacts the metal body of the car. In this case the plastic socket is designed to fit into a hole in the console plate thats not grounded to the body anywhere. It actually grounds to the body on the passenger side cowel as the previously posted wiring diagram shows.
