If it wasn't a early model TJ I would say you had a code in the EBCM. I just read that the 97 had an option of ABS brakes on it. You just might have one then. If yours has ABS it is very possible it is an ABS brake code, or basic early warning system for the ABS system. In the early years of ABS there systems were rudimentary at best. Similar to the old OBD1 computers. If you have an ABS light then the red light means hydraulic problems and the ABS light means system problems. On older cars and trucks they used the red brake light for Both types of problems and usually flashed when a problem existed, that is before abs lights were commonplace. Or you could just have a bad switch. Watch the light and see if it has the same amount of flashes each time or a pattern. Older model ABS systems need a scanner to pull the codes if I remember right. The E brake switch on most vehicle is usually under the console on the E brake handle. I Haven't had to get into a TJ console yet so I'm not sure.