1. Found diode 000 540 24 81 (also has number 09 8659 24 on it). Diode appears to have no conductivity in either direction

2. Checked light on bottom of door; it was broken, and the hot lead and the ground were certainly able to short together

I'll replace the diode (assuming dealer has part). Can I do a quick check with a solid wire if they don't have part? Not sure when they try to stop backflow of current.

Next, if replacing diode doesn't fix it, is there a possibility that the relay referred to in another post is blown? Anyone know the relay part number so I can know I've found the right one?

Thanks in advance for all the help. Will