going out and lights won't work. The circuit is also the one that illuminates the dash cluster, radio, etc. Folks often install aftermarket items (guages, stereos, etc) using poor wiring techiques and it shorts out. Could be an issue from a previous owner too. First places to check are anything that's been installed aftermarket and lights up at night...
FYI - Someone recently had this issue and was going crazy trying to find the short. Turns out they had the door panel apart and pinched the illumination line for the window button UP arrow. So it could be something weird ...