There are more than one post here that reference the problem with the dimmer switch. I have the same issue and will need to replace my dimmer switch at some point. About 99% of the time my headlights work. When they don't, I simply click the dimmer switch a few times and they start working again. That does not explain your break light problem. Check the bulbs, is it possible the bad dimmer switch caused a short that blew the bulbs?
