Looking for suggestions before pulling out the instruments. Turn signals, Flashers, Handbrake, Oil, Alternator, Gas, Highbeams all work OK. The backlighting is out.

What's the common reason for this one? Thanks.

That would be the black/blue wire from the headlight switch. Fuse 7 provides the power for the dimmer potentiometer (black/blue) then the black/blue wire goes to all the lamps. Pull the switch out and test for voltage on terminal 58b (from fuse) and 58a (output to dash lamps).

I am sure you know this but worth the obvious mention first make sure your dimmer is turn on full....

my license plate lights regularly short out and burn out the fuse; check the leads to the lights, mine were shorting, so I have been on the hunt for a substitute for these lights or just insulate and go without.

Yup probably the rheostat is disfunctioning.

So this is related to my old license light problem. Found a hot wire grounding on the body. New grommet and heat shrink later the rear lights up and #7 fuse is holding. I'll check the 58's for power now. Thanks. Is this also in George's tech tips book? Might have to get one.