the weird thing is the fan went as well which has separate power wires
Check for bad wiring / soldered joints etc....this might be the cause of ALL your problems ...an LED doesn't need much current and may very well be on even though the fan isn't.

I'd also look at voltage drop to your receiver and get one of these.
http://www.robotmarketplace.com/product ... SIG36.html

The Victor 885 replaces the Thor 883. Improvements in FET technology and switching technology allow the Victor 885 to handle 120A continuous. The high current capacity, low voltage drop, and peak surge capacity make the Victor 885 ideal for drive motors.

This unit is compatible with standard R/C equipment using the PWM Signal Driver.