There are some splices concealed inside the wire harness by the glove box. You will find a huge wire harness about 2-3 inches thick. The orange accessory splice is also in there with about 12 legs on it. Its a big job getting to it. Before I got too crazy taking the dash apart, I'd remove the seat(s) and check the wire harness under the seat that goes under the carpet, into the console to the switches. Depending on what type of seat you have. The seat could be pinching the harness against the floor. Especially if the seats have ever been removed before. I'd also check the wiring to the seat switches on the console. According to your description, you have a DEAD SHORT TO GROUND.
You have nothing to loose by doing this because you'll need to pull the seats to access the lower dashboard anyway. Unless you like standing on your head. Plus the side console covers conceal the seat wiring from the seat switch to the seat motor connector(under the seat). Pull the seats, FIRST! You'll be surprised at what you find. The screws that hold the side console covers in place are very close to the seat wiring too.
Good Luck!