Which fuse handles instrument panel and tail lights on ''98'' E150

Question edited for clarity.

Try these

https://portal-diagnostov.com/en/2020/04/11/instrument-cluster-ford-econoline-e150-1998-system-wiring-diagrams/

https://www.google.com/search?q=2000+e150+4.2+van+instrument+cluster+pinout

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There are three fuse that can effect the break light from working on your 2008 , start with checking the F39 fuse as well as the F7 and F11 all located in the interior fuse panel. in the box above the brake pedal

The tail lights work off the headlight switch, and there is a fuse for the tail lights. Make sure the fuse is good, first, a 15 amp (blue) fuse in the instrument panel fuse block. Then, you might have a bad headlight switch.
So you DO have dash lights, they just don't dim from the dimmer switch? In the wiring diagram, there is a green wire from a "tail light relay" (in the "Junction Block-Right Instrument Panel") that carries power to all the exterior lamps, as well as having a splice to the Instrument Panel Cluster (illum. bulbs), and to the lamp dimmer, and to the radio bulb.
To do any further testing, you would need a voltmeter or a test light, so you could chase down this power loss. Good luck.

On this website you find fuse box diagram and description for Ford E150 (1998 - 2001)

Ford Series 150 E150 150 1998 2001 fuse box diagram Auto Genius

You did not mention the type of vehicle . However if you check all of your ground wires under the hood and to the frame (undo and shiny clean, replace tight).

is probably the brake light switch. it should be at the top of the brake pedal under the dash.

Tail lights and panel run on same circuit.Find place in fuse box and place a new fuse in it even if it looks good.

After exhaustive search, this is as close to your needs as i could find. It's the fuse diagram for a 1996 Econoline... See pages 105-110
http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/9497faq/download/1997%20Econoline%20Wagon%20Owners%20Guide.pdf

Vehicles involved in the recall include the following:

1998-2002 Ford Ranger
1992-1997 Lincoln Town Car
1992-1997 Ford Expedition
1992-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993-1995 Taurus SHO
1999-2001 Ford Explorer
1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
1992-1993 E150-350 Vans
1997-2002 E150-350 vans
1993 Ford F-Series pickups
1993 Ford Bronco
1994 Mercury Capri
2003-2004 Ford F0150 Lightning
1995-2002 Ford F53 motor homes.

WHEN YOU TAKE OFF THE COVER OF THE FUSE PANEL THERE SHOULD BE A FUSE DIAGRAM ON THE BACK COVER .OR WERE THE FUSES PLUG IN IT SHOULD SAY.....IF NOT TAKE OUT EACH FUSE ONE AT A TIME AND LOOK FOR A LITTLE BREAK IN THE FUSE WIRE.......OR GO TO AUTOZONE AND JUST LOOK AT THE REPAIR BOOK FOR THAT CAR OR JUST ASK THEM AT THE DESK THEY WILL LOOK IT UP ON THE COMPUTER GOOD LUCK