Thanks to all (in archives) who explained the mystery of the severed tailgate wires and how to solve it. The sage advice guided me through a tricky procedure just in time to face state inspection Monday with all lights working (at this exact moment.)

Also this week, I learned the a/c knob must be turned off (I have a knob but no ac system) in order for the noisy heater fan to stop. The above procedure saved me money; this one saved my sanity.