Always start with the fuses for anything weird, easier to check than pulling dashes apart, kinda...and doesn't hurt to remove and check or even replace fuse if it still looks good but haven't found the issue. It doesn't hurt to have a collection of new fuses on hand but especially some of the odd sizes like the short one. You can get special tools that make removing the glass fuses easier, many of the cheap plastic types simply do nothing. And, as you say, are probably half locked in place from years, add a smear of electrical grease to the tabs for next time, or refresh the lot while you have access, saves cleaning glass shards separately!
