96 Passat gauges

My son returned from a trip last December, got in the car at the airport and had ABSOLUTELY NO GAUGES. No speedometer, no tach, no gas gauge (the lighted gauges still work although the check engine light is on constantly). Auto Zone guy says it's not a fuse issue, VW dealer says "bring it in." Son is in college, has little $$$, and would love ideas. Mom won't let him drive a car with no gauges over spring break, so he'd like to get it fixed ASAP. Any ideas?
Thanks much!

First check fuses #21 & #16.

Thanks!