Jetta tail lights not getting power
 

We have a 96 jetta that is not getting power to the tail lights or at the fuses. The dash lights are also not working, not sure if it is related or not. We have checked the fuses and the lights themselves and both are ok. What else should I check or what could the problem be?

do the brake lights come on when the brake pedal is applied? if brake pedal causes lights to work, it could be something at the switch. if no power at all, could be a loose, cut, or shorted wire. try replacing the fuse first (for quick sake, while car is off, pull the same size fuse from a different socket to try it on the lights).