I believe the odometer stick is the dimmer adjustment on the car. You need to try and spin it clockwise for lighter and counter clockwise for dimmer. Keep in mind these are pretty much the worst lit dashes in any car EVER. My dads 57 chevy had better lights, and that used a common ground for everything. If you have any light they are probably working normally. I am going to look around for my car, but I know there are LED conversions for some types of bulbs out there, I think there are only 4 bulbs to light the gauges so that wouldn't be to expensive.

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2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins - Georend fully built trans, Banks Big Hoss Bundle, Smarty Tuner, 5" turbo back exhaust. 500 HP and 1100 ft/lbs to the ground.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 300CD - Lost to a four car pile up on 275, Thank You Michigan Drivers.
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300D - Sold, Euro non-turbo car.