i had the same thing happen to me.mine came back on it's own(never lost the illum.).i suspected my trouble was in the switch and it sounds like yours is as well.if i get the time i plan on pulling it apart.do a search for console removal

__________________
'95 s500 (bought for wife but can't bear to share!!!) 125kms
'92 legend 180kms
'88 tbirdturbo(fantastic car-only regular maint.)120kms
'87 mustang gt(gone)
'86 tbirdturbo(gone)
'85 mustang gt(gone-but not forgotten)