first, leave your power dissconnected for 20 minutes... give it 30 to be sure to reset your ecu. does not sound like a ground issue in the conventional sense, except for the funky light thing. youve definitly got some electrical issues somewhere how ever. ive had some "difficulty" with the headlight circuit (which the dash lights are part of). ive gotten a MAJOR hesitation from the headlight circuit not working correctly. i dont know if your two problems are linked, but if you want to find out disconnets your power for 30, pull your fuse (middle fuse comingn off the battery, should be a green 30a) and see what happens. why your dash lights come on when you hit the breaks... im thinking youve got something shorting out.
funny thing about these montys that ive never encountered before on any other rig... it will give you hints through the electrical system, you just have got to chase the circuit and eliminate all potential problems.
btw... check your iac, tps, dizzy, alternator and i dont think it would hurt to chase all the accessable wiring connection in you headlight circuit.
ps trying to keep my game face on, but im watching the vp debate.