The idiot lights come on and go off just fine. The fuel gauge, clock, and temp gauge work great. The lights that light up the back of the dashboard (ie the speedometer and fuel gauges) at night don't work. The rheostat was replaced and still doesn't light the dash.

I hate to say this but ever consider replacing the two bulbs?? They seem to go out together for some reason..See if you are getting voltage to the positive side of the bulb holder, if so then its the bulb. If not then check the rheo and see if its producing voltage..also check the connector at the dash as it can corrode or come lose,,well its all backtracking for there to the fuse.
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Max..1989 244 DL 5 Spd., Bilstein HD, Turbo Swaybars, Poly Bushings all round, Turbo Wheels, Black leather interior, Electric mirrors, LED dash and gauge lights.

I am having the same problem, only for me it is all the instrument lights, so I doubt that all 4(?) (I have the small tach) went out at the same time. It's been so long that I've forgotten if the other gauge and knob lights operate off of the dimmer. I plan on bypassing this rheostat thing. Can someone explain the difference between this and a dimmer switch? Also, I only had 2 wires going to my rheostat, but there are 3 blades. Is this correct? Thanks.

1986 245 DL. Sorry.