To troubleshoot, you need to consult your owner's manual. It will show you the location of the fuse box (there's usually one under the hood and sometimes one inside the vehicle), as well as a fuse diagram showing which fuses control the tail lights and brake lights. It's likely that the tail lights and brake lights share a fuse, or that a failure in one area (like a blown tail light bulb) could affect the brake light circuit.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Check all brake lights: Make sure *all* brake lights (left, right, center high-mounted) aren't working. If only one side is out, it's more likely a bulb issue.
2. Consult your owner's manual: This is crucial. The manual will have the fuse box layout and a legend. Look for fuses labeled "Tail Lamps," "Stop Lamps," or similar.
3. Check the fuses: Carefully inspect the fuses in the locations your owner's manual indicates. Use a test light or multimeter to verify if a fuse is blown (a broken internal filament will indicate a blown fuse).
4. Check the bulbs: Replace any bulbs that are burnt out.
5. Inspect wiring: If fuses and bulbs are fine, there could be a wiring problem. This is more complex and requires more electrical knowledge or a professional mechanic.
Don't rely solely on online information for fuse locations, as there can be variations depending on the trim level and options of your specific 1998 Jeep Wrangler. Always use your owner's manual as your primary source.
