no dash lights, not sure if check engine light works

If you have no power at all, check your battery (can you turn on the headlights? or blow the horn?). If you just dont have power to the dash and interior lights it is probably a blown fuse. The check engine light should not be related to the the dash lights and should come on when you first start the car. If the car does not crank, again, check the battery (it may have enough power to light the headlights but not turn the starter motor).