1993 Nissan Micra automatic, wont' go into gear!?

I am writing on behlaf of my 90 year old dad who has a Micra automatic. All has been fine until recently when a stop lamp blew and a neighbour (for some reason) checked the fuses by removing each one. Car was fine the next day (I am told) and then without warning will not go into drive or reverse. We have noticed that the ignition controls are dead (fuel guage etc) but there is power to ignition as car will start okay. I am assuming there is a fuse / relay somewhere that is inhibiting driving? Very baffling. Any help is very much appreciated