Head Lights are on - Dash lights are out.

I heard a loud pop when I went to start my car and then a ticking sound
that only stopped when the battery cable was removed then replaced. It
finally started. Dealer said I needed a new Alternator. Not so. I had a
friend replace it. The original tested good. I then realized I didn't
have any high beams (after the popping incident). I turned my headlights
on today and my dash and radio lights went out. Turned my head lights
off. My dash and radio lights went back on (clock kept the time). All my
lights (except the high beams) work but the dash. My battery is new.
Alternator is new. Dealer replaced my ABS module in September. Problems
ever since. Dealer keeps trying to soak me. Any ideas what may be
causing this?