Chrysler Repair: Dash lights went out suddenly...Oldsmobile, time delay relay, makeup mirror

Question
Dear Sir:

I was driving to work this AM (in a 1997 Olds Cutlass 88), and I noticed that my lights on the dash went out (they are normally on all the time--there was a small click and they were off).  The headlights were still on, but the brights wouldn't.  When I finally got to work and parked the car, the lights were on, but they immediately went off when I put the car in Park and took the key out of the ignition (they normally stay on for a few mins. and then go off automatically).  The inside lights still work -- such as the lighting on the ceiling of the vehicle and the makeup mirror lights.  The blinkers still work also, but I'm not sure about the brake lights because I couldn't check those by myself.  What's up?  Is this a fuse issue, or something more complex?  

Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

B. Poynter

Answer
Hi Beverley,
I am not knowledgeable at all about General Motors products, only Chrysler. But I suspect it is a fuse related to the power for the time delay relay, and maybe a fuse for the dash lights, but I don't have wiring diagrams for your car so I can't be sure. The brake lights are probably working fine, they are a separate circuit.
I would suggest that you raise this question at the Oldsmobile Repair area of Allexperts for specific guidance.
Good luck, and not to worry.
Roland