Hello, i have a 1997 subaru outback sport wagon and the brake lights do not work. the running tailights work. where do i start if its not the bulbs?

If the bulb sockets are getting power I'd say the brake light switch needs adjustment or replacement. Look under the dash on the drivers side above the brake pedal arm. There is a small plunger type switch. It is mounted and adjusted by turning the nuts on either side of the mounting bracket. It should be adjusted so that when the brake pedal is depressed about 3/8 to1/2 inch the lights are activated. When adjusting, a small movement in the position of the switch (nuts) will make a difference.

Check fuses and then try the brake light switch on the pedal... it should look like below:

You can unplug the switch and close the circuit of the wiring harness with a little pigtail of scrap wire and if the brake lights then work it's the switch.

best wishes!