1997 4Runner Limited 4x4 V-6 Auto 150k miles

Had smoke coming from the passenger side door jam yesterday and then the vehicle was stuck in park. Checked the brake fuse, and it was blown. I know that if the brake fuse is blown, the vehicle locks in park and cannot be shifted unless depressing the white button above the shifter.

Pulled up the carpet this morning and saw that the wire going to the electric seats was burnt. The two wires were completely melted. Got the wires out of the wiring harness and inspected all of them. Cut the melted wires going to the electric seat out and did not reconnect the electric seat, just left the wires cutoff. None of the other wires in the harness were damaged and there were no bear wires anywhere. Thought for sure that was my problem.

When I restarted the vehicle and pressed the brake pedal, the brake fuse in the motor compartment fuse box blew again.

I've taken each brake light apart and looked for shorts, nothing. Taken the bulbs out, pushed the pedal and it still blows fuses.

I'm at a loss as to why it won't work.

Suggestions?

Sure appreciate your help! Thanks!

 

there is a short somewhere. get the multimeter out.

 

Like HighLux said, you have a short somewhere.
Pull the tail light housings and inspect the wiring for worn areas.

Got trailer light wiring by chance? Previous owner may have done a hack job and used one of those idiotic wire slice kits that fubar the wiring... Check that harness too...

 

It could also be something as simple as a shorted brake light switch and did you remember to look up??

Did you forget the third brake light??

 

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Got further up the wiring harness behind the passenger side front kick panel and the wires were totally melted. It was probably 2 feet from the original location we found where the wires were melted. Fortunately, I was able to get the melted wires pulled out, and without too much electrical tape, get the other wires insulated again.

No electric seat anymore, but at least the teenage driver doesn't have to ride a bike.

Irresponsible kids these days!