Brake lights not working. Please help

I have a 2003 limited 4Runner and I have a problem. My brake lights aren't working and I'm at a loss for what it could be. I replaced the fuse (it was blown), I replaced the brake pedal switch, I check the brake light sockets and I'm getting power, the bulbs look fine, but still no lights. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful. Thank you, Bennett.

 

not sure but is there another fuse box under the hood as well? Can you test the brake pedal switch and make sure it is working and not a factory dud?

** edit**

found this on another site:

 

I went ahead and replaced the 10A stop fuse under the hood and the IG1 fuse under the left side of the steering column. Still nothing. I did notice my third brake light isn't even lighting up for a running light, would this be a cause of it?

 

I'm not a mechanic at all. Have you taken a multimeter to the system? Check your switch, the bulbs and so on.

 

I checked the bulbs, any idea on how to check if the switch is working?

 

Again, I'm not a mechanic. I'd take out the switch and check the ohms. If you trigger the switch and it changes, the switch should be good. I'd check the connector and see if you're getting voltage. If yes and the switch works, check the sockets in the back. I've also seen grounds come loose and cause wiring trouble.

 

Alright I will check it first thing in the morning and report back with results! Thank you!

 

Sounds like you are missing a ground somewhere in the circuit.

 

Possibly a stupid question, but I'm not very electrically inclined compared to my mechanical skill. How would I check if the ground is working and would the bulbs light up as running lights if it was not?

 

First thing I would check is the wiring around your tow hitch, especially if it's not factory installed.

 

It's the factory tow package. Where do the grounds for the brake lights run to?