signs of heat, artic start not working

I installed an Articstart a few months ago in my 02 Cavalier, manual trans.  The trunk pop was not working so I decided to look at it.  While looking into to the trunk problem I noticed that the yellow wires, ignition I think, appeared to have heat marks on them.  There was white flaky stuff at the brain of the system inside the wiring harness clip that holds all the low gauge wires, ignition, power, etc...After I noticed that the reservation mode and remote starting function stopped working a few days later.  I can here the unit set reservation mode but when I turn the key off the motor turns off, instead of continuing to run like it is supposed to.   

Also, to get back to the trunk thing, the wire from the brain should read about -.160v, based on what the door lock wire and unlock wires are reading.  The trunk wire is spiking down to -5.1v.

Just to add some more info, everything was working perfectly for about 2 months, trunk, remote start, and reservation mode, so I know I hooked it up correctly.  The doors lock/unlock function currently works, but I don't believe the parking lights flash anymore.  Is this thing fried?

Ahhh no!!!  I kind of treat the car like sh$t.  The moisture thing makes alot of sense, I get in all the time with loads of snow on my feet and sometimes forget to close the sunroof.  I alos mounted it right under the lower dash section.  Is there anything I can do to fix it and prevent it from happening?  Where is a better place to mount the brain?

As far as the -5.1v goes for the trunk, I meant the wire that comes from the brain going to the relay.  It seems supper high compared to the door unlock and lock wires comming form the brain, each read -.160v

As soon as I get time I will check the park light wire.  I am assuming it's not getting power because it is in the same connector as the ignition wires, it too has white flakey stuff on it.

Thanks for the help