Somehow a basic brake-light replacement has turned into an actual problem. My passenger-side brake light burned out and as I was replacing it the bulb shattered in my hand (I was using a gentle touch and everything.. I swear! I think these bulbs were 14 years old and getting a bit brittle...and yes I know you push down and turn them =P). Anyway, the only way to get the metal part out of the socket was with needle-nose pliers.

The problem is that when I went to start it the dashboard lights stopped working, the light that illuminates the gear position next to the shifter stopped working, tailights dont work, and also the headlights wont turn on or even pop-up (91 firebird).

I still have the dome light and the lights attached to the rear-view mirror working.

I checked my fuses under the driver-side dash and they all look fine.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks a ton for any info. =)

 

Most likely a fuse. If that doesn't work get a multimeter and check for continuity.