following up on the OBD port check, basic info says pin 4/5/6 are grounds. on this vehicle pins 4 and 5 are populated, and they both test good with test light.

i see 6 fuses on the RCM, 1-6. F4 is the big orange.
with key off, all have power except 2 and 3.
with key in on position, all have power.
checked battery connections and ground connection on inner fender, all good.

more info i forgot to share- the shifter is stuck in park, will not shift out. i was able to use the skeleton key thing and get it to shift. was thinking about a bad neutral safety switch, but it won't crank in P or N.
also, there is no gear indicator on the dash. i believe it should have something that indicates selected gear?