dashlights

1991 cartier No dash lights, no ignition, no airbags, interior and exterior lights are working, battery is charged. Checked fuses I thought may be the problem, they were good. Car has been sitting for 3 years, could it be the alternator? Can I test it if I can't start car? I am on fixed...

03 Executive-L with 560,000 mile on the clock. Dashlights get very dim (I thought they were off) when headlights come on with auto lamp or full on. I think this just started. not a problem during the day because the headlights are off. Message center goes dim, too. Ideas?