Lincoln/Mercury Repair: odometer light, mercury cougar, blown fuse

Question
I have a 90 mercury cougar... been trying to hope that the inspection wouldnt notice that the whole dash (electronic/digital) is out.  Since its completely digital, when the light goes out, its nearly invisible.  Of course they saw that it didn't work- failed inspection.  Who do I go to?  Problem is- the dome light is out, and the mechanic who tried replacing the bulb said its probably electrical, my headlights blink, and the mechs said that was probably electrical, too.  If its the wiring, is that something for the dealer?  Or is it cheap enough to atleast try replacing a dash light first?  Anything you can say would be welcome!
THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

First, try checking ALL the fuses. The ones under the dash and the ones under the hood to make sure it's not just a blown fuse. This is what it likely will be. If you have hooked up any after market equiptment like stereos and so on or use a cigerette lighter to charge cell phones, this can cause a blown fuse. If ALL the fuses check out ok, then I suggest an Auto Electronics repair shop. Likely to be much less then the dealer and faster with the repair. Hope it's the blown fuse though! Resubmit and tell me how this goes... Thanks!