I was driving today and all of a sudden my brake and battery light came on and has not gone off. Does anyone know what could cause this to occur? Thanks in advance

 

sounds like it could be a sign that your alternator is starting to go out.... if I recall correctly, 97's had a recall on the alternators

 

I don't think this is in the manual, but my brake light came on for a while when my brake fluid level got low. There is a sensor that trips the light. You can check that. I have no idea about the battery light.

Mike

 

the battery light means the alternator is goin and needs to be serviced or replaced.

 

Yup, I had the same problem. You need a new alternator.

 

Ohh yeah, been there man... Driving home from a long trip, hearing a sharp sound, then a click, and next thing i know, both those lights come on and scare the living **** out of me... Turns out the tensioner assembly for the alternator belt fell off! I'm thinking sabatoge from some mechanic, cause that sh*t don't just happen... Eh, well a small fee later, back to normal...

 

Mine turned out to be corroded battery terminals.
Cleaned them and havent had my brake and battery light come on simultaneously since.