1996 Blazer brake lights not working

[Mr Clean]

Hello,

I have a 96 Blazer that just recently started having intermittent brake light problems. The first time they stopped working, the 20a fuse had blown. The only extra fuse available at the time was a 25a, so I put that in just have brake lights. The next day they didn't work. I checked the fuse and the bulbs and they're good. So I push down the Hazard light button to see if they work and nothing. With the hazard switch still in the "on" position, I hit the brakes and presto, I see brake lights. I let off of the brake pedal and NOW the hazard lights are working. I turn off the hazard switch, depress the brake pedal and the brake lights now work. A couple of hours later I check them and they still work. But when I leave it overnight the brake lights no longer work. I've had to turn the hazard light switch on, depress the brake pedal and turn off the hazard switch to have brake lights the last few days. My brother who lives in Dallas (I live in Florida) says that there's a good chance that it is the relay which is designed to protect the $200 plus Hazard/Turn Signal/Brake Light/Cruise Control switch in the steering column, is prone to failure due to small inferior contacts. But I have yet to find the "brake light relay" that he says is under the hood. Finally I decided to take it to a local "master" mechanic and without looking at it, he says it's a 99% chance that it is the expensive switch in the steering column.
Is there any way that I can check this out or find this $15 relay to see if it THAT'S the problem? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. And before I go, I want to thank all you guys that take the time out to answer and solve everyone's problems on this board. It's good to know that there are still some people that give more than they take. Thanks for being there.

[BOOZER]

g.m. has a campaign out for this very problem & I recomend you take your serial # to your local dealer & see if it pertains to your vehicle. If it does it involves replacing the hazzard button that goes in the turn switch, it has the contacts on it. Or the expensive route, the switch assy itself. I think the only relay on the brakes was for the 3rd brake light?
Good luck. By the way i'm not saying your vehicle is involved, only a common problem on s/t chassis in these years, 96-97-98.