There should be a rubber piece on the brake pedal shaft that presses the switch when the brakes are not applied. It is very common for that piece to crack and fall off, and then the brake lights don't go out.

 

mk378, thx and you are exactly right. I wound up searching for a post on brake lights an came across one talking about this rubber piece and low and behold on the floor board was sitting this conical rubber "whacha mi dula"

thx for the help guys big time I'm on the road again!!!!!!

 

The question now is if all 4 lights work?