Thanks Old School for advice on the Dim Switch. I did try a different switch. I pulled a Dim switch out of an 85 Mark VII from a local bone yard.

After replacing my switch with the one out of the bone yard Mark, Same problem no fix. I am guessing that there is a good chance that that switch is bad also.

Ok, before I pay $50 for an new Dim Switch I just want to make sure it is the Dim switch.

Just to add information to help solve the problem..

My Speedometer lights up!, Temp Control Lights up, Information center Lights up. Dome lights light up when switch is rolled to the on position.

What doesn't light up are the lights to the buttons on the cluster. My shift does not light up as there is no light the socket are empty same with the ash tray.

Now with this information on what is lighting up and not (idiot lights light up at start) is this still the dim switch causing the problem? Just trying to make sure of things here as I try to solve the problem.

Exta question is where does the ash tray light socket lie and also the shift indicator socket lie as mine are just laying under the console.

Plus if there is someone who has a working Dim Switch they can part with, I'd be interested.

Laying under there is normal. Because the mounts are pretty easy to brake. Light bulbs maybe. . . ;)

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What doesn't light up are the lights to the buttons on the cluster. My shift does not light up as there is no light the socket are empty same with the ash tray.
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You're welcome.

Unless you have a bad trip minder (computer/dash control/instrument cluster), then I do not see any reason why your lights don't illuminate.

Are you able to set your clock? When that happened to me, I just had the trip minder replaced with a used unit (One of the very few times that I used any used replacement parts).

I can set the clock. Everything seems to be working on the cluster. There are a few things I haven't tried out as I haven't had the need to try them yet. But Clock works, DTE, MPG, Ave MPH, Reset, Set, these all work.

I could pull the unit from the one at the bone yard and see what happens.

I can set the clock. Everything seems to be working on the cluster. There are a few things I haven't tried out as I haven't had the need to try them yet. But Clock works, DTE, MPG, Ave MPH, Reset, Set, these all work.

I could pull the unit from the one at the bone yard and see what happens.
There's a thought.