Brake lights don't work

Hey all
I have a 2001 ford zx2. The brake lights stopped working.
The blinkers, 4-ways, parking, night lights are all OK.
Checked fuse and it was OK> I replaced it anyway.
Put all new bulbs in back. Still no lights. I tried jumping the switch with a paper clip. Theres only 2 wires going to the switch. A green (power?) and a brown with a yellow stripe.
I wiggled it around in the contacts and couldn't get the brake lights to work. Not sure if I was doing it correctly though.
Somebody I know mentioned something about a relay?
What is this, What does it look like and where inside the car do I find it?

Thanks

 

use a 12 volt test light and check for power at the switch on each side. Don't know if there is a relay for brake lights or not most of the older stuff didn't use relays for brake lights. Does your center mount light work.? does this car have the amber turn lights on rear? if not then the brake light power also goes thru the turn signal switch and could have a problem with the turn signal switch.

Rember Murphy was an optimist.

 

It has a relay in front engine compartment. It is marked on the cover. Check here! They can and will go bad.