Gremlins '87 300TDT Rear Hatch

[punkinfair]

I have some electrical gremlins in the rear hatch of our '87 300TDT. occasionally when you open the hatch and close it the rear courtesy lights will stay on, as well as the 3rd brake light is on dimly, and the motor for the hatch lock whines. if you open and close the door a few times this usually makes the gremlin sleep.

i think there is a short or multiple shorts in the harnesses up near the hinges, but before i dig into the issue i was wondering if anyone has any comments on what i am getting into.