Well, I was wrong. I think I am dealing with ghost voltage....initially - not thinking thru things well - I tested the current at the CSV connector by grounding to the battery - and the brake light lit up. But, I went back and used the ground wire from the CSV connection and no light! After checking the bulb again by hooking it up back to a good ground - and getting the bulb to light again - I am now not getting 12v through the connector anymore. KOEO I now have no volts...

Not sure what I did here...