Maybe you had wires crossed, since it appears to be a short when they are functioning.

Grounding issue on the light circuit is all I can think of.

it could be.. does it only happen when it's raining, etc?

i tapped into the left brake light wires. each wire was individually taped so there is no way the wires are touching. it happened on a dry day. i installed it in july and it only happened once. if it does happen again i will check the wiring. i will probably solder the wires next time.

fixed the problem and it was of my own doing. never use wire taps for permanent wiring. so two out of the four wires were almost completely severed. i knew it was my bad one night when i was getting gas and i noticed my left break light which was the one i tapped into was flickering. i redid the wiring job this time soldering them together and the problem went away. you do live and learn! thanks for all your feedback and help guys!:hello:

Glad you got it figured out !