Snap, Crackle, Pop - Ground Issue?

Heard what sounded like wires shorting in the center console/radio area, so I removed the center console and was able to pinpoint the specific area - it is coming from my shifter/shift gate. My 5/8 bank ECU is also conking out occasionally when I hear the shorting sound (but not consistently). I've checked the wiring from the ECU through the firewall and there is no evidence of worn wires/shorting occuring there. Checked the ground straps from engine to frame and battery to frame and cleaned the contact points. Something is grounding out on my shift linkage - anybody had anything similar? Besides checking the ECU grounds to the motor this evening, any other thoughts on what I should be looking for?

 

Ernie, No Doubt, Miltonian - thanks for all the advice guys. When I put the center console back in I cleaned all the contacts for the switches, gauges and A/C control and then applied Stabilant. I disconnected the cig lighter & light (I don't use it anyway) and checked the reverse lights switch. That thing was corroded like crazy (underneath the rubber boot where the pink wires are soldered to the switch). Cleaned the corrosion off and applied Stabilant. I haven't been able to go for a test drive yet as my daughter was asleep by the time I was done and starting the car up tends to wake her up - go figure!

I've purchased some beefy power/ground cables and connectors and my next steps are to get rid of the bullet disconnects in the power and ground lines and check the reverse light wires for a short (every other connector has been relatively clean - it's odd that one was in such poor shape relative to everything else). I replaced all the relays this past weekend as preventative maintenance and checked the fuses while I was at it. No blown fuses and no evidence of fuse blocks melting. I really appreciate all the advice and assistance - I think I speak for a lot of guys on the board when I say your help turns what could be a frustrating ownership experience into a fun hobby. Wrenching is almost as fun as driving - almost!