It is a switch on the brake pedal which sends current to the stoplights in the rear.
Go to the parts desk of your local ford dealership and ask for a printout of the brake light switch.
Most likely no brake lights would be due to a faulty switch on the brake pedal or a bad fuse.
brake diagram for 1998 ford escort
check the wires at brake light switch on brake pedal they are bad about breaking brake light switch
Most brake light switches are mounted to the brake pedal up towards the dash board
Either the brake light switch or on brake pedal there is a button that pushes the switch and it fell out.
Could be the brake light switch above the brake pedal.
replace your switch, located under the brake pedal.
Check the: Bulbs Fuse Stop light switch
Check you brake fluid and the brake switch on the proportioning value. If the fluid level is ok then disconnect the switch to see if the light goes out. Also check the parking brake switch.
Are you sure it's a short in the wiring and not a brake pressure switch that needs adjusting.
Check the STOP fuse in the passenger compartment Check the switch on the pedestal of the brake pedal.