99 chevy s-10 extreme

I just bought a 99 extreme for $500 so of course it has some issues. The dash light illumination does not work. We have pulled the dash apart and the lights are not getting any power to them. I have checked all the fuses and they are good. Any ideas on what else to check before I pay $89 and take it to the dealer and have them diagnose it.

get a test light and start testin for power from connector to connector cause thats what the dealer will do. also while u r checkin power at terminals, feel the wires to make sure the wire didnt short in the casing