Rob;
If I understand correctly you sat for 45 minutes with the engine idling?
I would guess that you "loaded up" the spark plugs during this time
causing your engine to perform poorly afterwards. If it is not already
better try cleaning/regapping the plugs. 
As for the brake light, I would guess it had to do with the emergency
brake and freezing temperatures. Sometimes they do not mix.
Good Luck
Ken Lewis
Kernersville NC
kdlewis@juno.com
86 VW crewcab
85 VW Vanagon GL
60 356 coupe

On Mon, 18 Nov 1996 08:17:12 -0600 Rob McGee <rmcgee@trib.com> writes:
Questions:
>>        1.  Are these two connected?
>>        2.  Any ideas as to what is causing them and how to fix?
>>
>
>>Rob McGee
>>
>rmcgee@trib.com
>
>