First, Happy New year to everyone.
Now to my problem. My instrument cluster lights were working normally before I removed the cluster to replace light bulbs and clean the inside of the clear plastic front. I re-installed it and all of a sudden there is no illumination for the instruments. The warning, turning and center console lights get power and work normally. The front courtesy light next to the sunroof switch also works. I mention this because Fuse #2 controls the cluster illumination and courtesy lamp. Regardless, I replaced Fuse #2 and nothing. Although Fuse #6 controls the warning lights (and they are all working, as all the instruments) I still replaced it and nothing. My first thought is that power comes from the round knob connector behind the cluster, on the left side and feeds the rheostat which controls the intensity of the light. I wanted to bypass the rheostat but I really cannot see how to do that. So, I guess I am asking if anyone can provide some guiding thoughts to get the lights back on and if someone knows how to bypass the rheostat because I really do not have a use for it. I always like the brightest console possible. Thanks a lot for any help.