Brake Light Problems!! Please Help

[klembasek]

My 98 Exploder XLT rear brake lights do not light up when my brake pedal is depressed. The top brake light on the rear hatch does work. When i turn off the vehicle the rear top light flashes very fast although it fades and turns to more of a rapid shutter after a few minutes have gone by. This exploder has spent the majority of its life back east in wet climates, so the undercarriage of the truck is fairly rusty. I have changed the rear brake light bulbs twice. No Luck. I have wiggled wires in the tow and stow compartment that lead to the brake lights. no luck. I think i have checked the fuse but not sure if it was the right fuse. Any thoughts? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[klembasek]

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated... no one has any ideas?

 

[budwich]

Stop "wiggling", get a meter and check for voltage along the "route" and for grounds at the appropriate point(s).