Dash lights out 94 lumina

I have a 94 lumina 3.1 euro. I tried hooking up an accessory to the light wires for the shifter indicator (stupid yes I know). It shorted out the dash lights. They don't work at all. The heater control indicator light works until you turn the outside lights on (which still work). I checked all fuses and I mean ALL. Also replaced circuit breakers. Anyone have any suggestions. This is my "beater" car so I don't want to have to take it in. The cars manual says if lights go out to take to dealer, not in the cards for this car at this time. I will hook and extra light up before spending any money on it. Thanks

Would guess you blew a ground, if lights work until other lights on the same circuit come on. That's kinda a hallmark of a ground problem. I'd take the lower cover off the dash, and look closely at any wires grounded to the dash frame. Maybe take the dimmer switch out and make sure none of the wiring to it got smoked, too. Could even be in the switch, possibly. You'd have to follow the path of current with a test light from fuse (you did check the fuses, right?) to headlight switch to dimmer to gauges and see where you loose it, if no bad wiring is seen.

ok I'll give that a try.Only part I did not check was the actual switch.