When i put it in drive and give it the gas an let off it goes dead

Check the battery

Make sure the brake light switch is secured in place. If it isn't then you need to be sure the switch bracket is secured in place then adjust the switch.

Sounds like your brakes are sticking. Possibly the emergency brake is not disengaging entirely? Stop the car and put in park. Apply emergency brake as hard/far as possible. Then release and put in drive and try to go. Most emergency brakes are self adjusting. If the problem still persists, have it taken to your mechanic.

If it has high mileage on it probably is the catalytic converter is stopped up. A dead give away is losing power going up hills and not shifting like it used to. A easy test is to put your hand over the exhaust pipe wear a glove as it may be hot. Then have a friend give it gas if it is stopped up you will be able to hold the exhaust from coming out. That is just a simple test but more then likely it is stopped up . You can get a after market cat for about half the price of a new one . Good luck.

When you get a check engine light it means a fault has occurred and a fault code for that is in memory, now you need the fault codes or codes read to see what is going on and then troubleshoot the system.

Sounds like a fuel injector is clogged up or is not firing due to the computer not firing it. Check by putting a noid light on each injector and checking for pulse by viewing a blinking light from it. Also, one can check to see if a stethoscope can be used to listen for a clicking from the injector indicating it's at least pulsing that way.

need a new alternator its a all in one unit ,yes you could put new brushes in if it comes apart

try the EGR valve. replace it or clean it the EGR ports may be clogged as well

check the bulbs or the sockets for damage
or the wrong bulb
you are getting feedback through the wiring
and that lights up the dash

check the enersher switch (used as a safty shot off in the event of an accedent) its mounted iline of the fuel system try tracing from the tank