thanks for the input................
i removed the plug from the switch and used a jumper between the 2 terminals (bypassing the switch).....still nothing. no, i'm not getting brake light power to the rear harness.
one reason i'm suspecting the signal indicator is a week or two ago i had a few wisps of smoke and an electrical smell coming from the column.
went away quickly and everything seemed to work so i didn't worry about it. thought it might be related to my horn that has never worked. didn't check the brake lights after that episode............