Dodge Repair: 92 Dodge Colt Dashboard and tail light failure, dodge colt, dashboard lights

Question
I have an appointment with a mechanic in 9 hours, so I don't know
if you will be able to get bck to me before then but here goes. I've
checked the fuse (all good) and replaced the taillights but I still
have the problem: my tail lights and dashboard lights do not come
on when I turn on the head lights. All other lights (stop, turn, back
up, emergency) work. One ither quirk, with the headlights on, when
I step on the bre=akes the dashboard lights come on but only as
long as I step on the brake pedal. I assume this is a short problem
but I've been told it might be a broken switch along on of the wire
paths. I need help and would like to avoid paying a mechanic if it's
something simply to fix.

Answer
This is a strange one for sure.  I don't know that I'll be able to help because of my lack of experience with the colts as well as the numerous possibilities related to electrical failures like this.

I will tell you that it sounds like there may be a bad ground or connection somewhere.  When you apply the brakes you're applying more voltage to the circuit.  This could cause enough voltage to bridge a gap, force a ground to work long enough to supply power to the cluster.

Some of the vehicles I've checked with odd-ball lighting conditions like this simply had corrosion in the bulb sockest.  That's not much help, I'm sorry but maybe with some feedback from what the mechanic says I can help support their findings or suggest other things to check as well.
Doug