A bit more information..

Removed the motor from the chassis.
When on/off switch is off, receiver and esc lights are off, but motor power is on.
When on/off switch is in, receiver and esc lights are on, but motor power is off.
Tried this:
Turn on transmitter
turn on switch
lights come on
plug in motor. no problem.
press throttle, motor is either 100% on, or 100% off.
no reverse.

recalibrated esc
when switch is off 100% power.
when switch is on no power. no throttle

rebind
when switch is off 100% power.
when switch is on forward throttle 100% only. reverse throttle, no power.