ok, luvrbus was right, maybe. i pulled on the wires trying to get the closest yellow out. when that failed, tried the black. could not get those suckers loose.
went back inside and turned to switch and now the brake lights work just great. when i step on the brake peddle, lights on, let up on it, lights off. perfect!!!

except (of course) they now don't come on when the park brake is on.

. that's not a huge deal becuase i know when the park brake is on becuase i put it on and the bus won't move.
But, the high idle doesn't work now. and neither does the air step. looked it up in the manual and they are all going through the same relay. so i replaced the relay with what i think is a good one. still doesn't work. i say 'think its good" becuase i got one from my farmer neighbor who had spare. but no park light working, nor step, nor high idle still.
the good side is that the brakes work, park brakes work, and i can hold my foot on the peddle to get high idle.
i don't understand why pulling on the wires would kill, break or short something out. i thought maybe i completely burned the old relay, but now this newer one doesn't work either? suggestions?