2008 Scion tc Park, Reverse, Drive lights out and now break light flashes when i go after a complete stop?

I recently hav an issue with the break light flashing for 3 seconds after i press the gas and go from a complete stop. I read somewhere on this website its probably the break fluid is low. I took it for an oil change has them check everything the guy at the service counter at toyota agreed it is probably just low break fluid however when i left when my oil change was done it kept happening... i called them back and he said it could be a short somewhere or something else i would have to pay for a diagnostic and all that before it could really be determined i understand all that however its not the season to be spending hundreds of dollars when i could fix this myself or have my dad help me. Recently the light that lights up park, drive , reverse ETC.. went out it flickered at first it would come on and go off when i went over bumps now its completely out (forgive my spelling) i asked if these two things could be linked to the same thing he said possibly...so my question is what should i check on or try to do myself before i have to spend a ton of money on this issue... could it be a fuse? could it be something else i could fix myself? I appreciate any feedback! The car is a 2008 Scion tc and its an automatic!