every once in awhile ill be cruising around then out of the blue "ding!" look at the dash and theres no warning lights hmmmm.. another mile down the road "ding!!" once again nothing. then as im pulling in somewhere "ding!!" "ding!!" "ding!!" every time i tap the brake. so i get out and have a buddy tap my brakes sure enough it ding and dings and dings and there is no lights out!!! very annoying. why is this??

 

I would start with replacing the brake lights (all three). Clean the connectors too.

 

Sounds like a bad connection on the circuit board. GcBurkett has given the best advice you will find for this situation.

 

2003s are good for having loose or corroded electrical connection in the circuit boards on the tail lights. I have a pair if you are interested in them and find that to be your issue