The Problem - the brake lamp circuit has a short circuit. It started totally intermittent, and was just the fuse, plus the high mount brake lamp just happened to be out (was the suspected cause). A month later, blown fuse again. Ultimately it's instant... insert new fuse, press on brake, fuse blows.

What I've done - removed all 3 brake lamp assemblies to check for shorted lamps / lamp socket issues. Still blows fuse with tail / high mount lamp removed. There is no trailer harness. Note that this has a separate brake lamp from the turn signal lamp on this vehicle.

I am going to try and isolate this myself but would appreciate some feedback as to known trouble spots and common causes or wire chafing areas to search out first. Thanks!

Disconnect the wire connector at the switch at the brake pedal. Jump pins 1 and 2 together on the connector. Fuse ok? Change the switch.

Need wire diagrams? Send me an email address to send them to via a private message.

Thanks for the tip! The short is after the switch, and yes - even the large paper clips can get warm for just a second (duh). Indeed I do have battery voltage across connections 1 and 2, so at this point I need to follow key wear points for that brake wire between the switch connection and the rear of the vehicle.

I will send a PM with my e-mail and really appreciate the offer.