move the dimmer back and forth and turn the parking lights on and off. sometimes the switch gets wierd.
Sounds like a bad ignition switch.
One thing that could cause this would be a faulty ignition switch, specially if you do not have ignition (cluster) lights. Just a thought...
Most likely cause would be a blown fuse.
ignition switch or key and tumbler.
The rheostat for dimming and brightening the dash lights.
bad headlight switch
Faulty ground to the dash.
I had a similar problem with a Pontiac some years back. It was a bad dashboard ground. It may not be it, but I would start there.
Could be that the bulb on the instrument panel burnt out. Pull the panel off just a few screws and check the bulb.
look for a shorted electric motor like window motor. when the motor contacts fail they can cause the "ticking" and it drains the power constantly, even when the ignition is off.
the chime would stay on if the keys are in the ignition (but the car turned off) and if the door is ajar to warn that the lights are still on
it may not be you ignition relay, but your alternator.