2004 Honda CRV, 157,000 miles. Recently I noticed driver rear taillight (the taller one) was out. Went to replace installing a new bulb but still not working despite a second bulb. Didn't have a meter to check connectivity. Anyway, after attempting this repair, I went on a trip and the interior dash mounted (to bottom left of steering wheel) cruise control button wouldn't work. No light when I push the button in and cruise control won't engage. Also, I noticed that if I step on the brake pedal (with key in the off position) the instrument panel lights up and the "headlights on" warning buzzer sounds. When I release the pedal, the lights go off and buzzer stops.
I can't find anywhere a fuse listed for the rear tail lights. I checked the brake lights and they work fine and fuse is OK.
Any suggestions as to how to better troubleshoot and repair greatly appreciated.
Dave

 

Sounds like you may have a bad ground at the brake light bulb. In this possible case, when you are stepping on the brakes with the parking lights switched off, the brake lamp circuit will search for a ground through the parking lamp circuit, turning on the dash lights/lights-on-chime.
Try to see if the contacts are good in the bulb socket, or if the problem goes away when you remove that brake light bulb