No power lights etc but ignition turns over?

This is a pic of the book I have. It's a Chilton's Valiant/Duster 68-76 repair & tune-up guide. Not much I can find in here on dealing with this. Or with the console area.

Is it necessary to remove the console to remove and inspect the light switch unit (that's the rheostat ya?) ?
And to remove the console, does that require dropping the steering?

Been looking through all the forums, and just not finding the info I'm thinking I need.

Been looking over all the connections, wires, replacedd a fuse (just cuz it had become covered by probably a spider nest), and the grounds and battery connections.

Still going through it all just familiarizing myself.

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