dash lights not coming on

1995 bonneville, after a forum search it appears that either the dash connections are bad or the dimmer switch needs replaced. In your experience, is it usually the dimmer switch? If so, how do I remove it? Pull the knob off and unbolt it from the back? It sounds like I may need several parts. Any help is appreciated. I does have the twilight sentinel but it doesn't work when the lights are turned on manually or by the sentinel. Headlights and running lights work fine. Thanks...................... AFter further investigation turning the dimmer switch restored the lights for a short period of time so I'll assume it is the switch. I was able to get the headlight switch knob off and the three screws holding the top dash panel in. However, it appears that the bottom panel needs to come off in order to get the top panel out. Hiow is the lower panel removed? Snap off? Thanks

pretty sure it unsnaps, there are 4 10mm bolts that hold the lower center panel in

I had the exact simlilar problems with my 95. I would bang on the dash baord to turn the dash light a tail lights. After while this action did not work.

The problem is that your wire harness conenctors that plugs into the switch get loose. What I did was take the 2 colored shimes that are on each side of the connector, and wrap one revolution of electrical tape aound the base of the shim. The re-install the shims. This should fit a lot tighter and not hold the delphia pin connectors firmly angains the copper pin on the switch. This seems to be working for me in the cold and warmer weather.

One thing thing that should not be overlook, the dimmer switch might
be faulty and you need to replace $37.00). The Plastic connector which the snaps on to the body of the switch ($9), is a extra part you need to order from a dealership. If you need the part #, please let me know. I was only able to order one becasue, the part person on the dealer new how to look up sub-assembly. In addtion, you need to buy a few of those Delphi pin connectors (Many sizes).

good luck

thanks for the replies. I found that there are two panel covers, one is around the guage clusters and the other goes around the top of the steering colomn, the AC vent to the left and around the radio. The lower panel snaps out with the steel clips and the upper is bolted in with five (three that you can see initially and two that are visible after the lower panel is removed) torx screws. Once these panels are removed there were three phillips screws to remove and the dimmer unit was out. I unplugged the old one and installed the new one and reversed the process. Of note, I needed the new plastic bezel for the new dimmer switch as the design is slightly different. Was done in about 15 minutes and now I have dash lights. Just thought I would let others know how those two panels are removed. Thanks for the responses.

I have the same problem with my 97...The dash cluster lights stopped working and I assumed it was the headlight/dimmer switch. I followed my haynes manual and disconnected battery, removed trim, disarmed air bag (pulled fuses, disconnected yellow connector under the dash) then removed the switch (it took a little while). I removed the switch and checked it with a meter and the reostat seems to be working so I assumed the switch was good. I then got the bright idea to disconnect the cluster gage panel (It had one large connector that snapped in). I inspected it and it looked ok, but I was a little overwhelmed with how many pins were in there and had no idea on how to check them, so I reconnected it. Well now I cant even get the car to turn over after everything is reconnected. The panel idiot lights come on, but the car will not turn over at all and the dash illumination still does'nt work?????? I really need some help on this one, Im sinking fast. Is there anyone out there that can bail me out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

It sounds as though the 97 may be different than my 95. In the description above I simply removed two panels and the dimmer was out. I'm guessing you removed/unplugged the nuetral safety switch? I don't have any manuals so I can't help much.