In article <cg1Gg.1951$rT5.125@fed1read01>, Matt B. > wrote:
>"Terrence" > wrote in message
...
>>I have a 1998 Jetta GL that the interior instrument and dash lights will
>>not illuminate or turn on. However, I do have exterior head lights / tail
>>lights / turn signals / hazards as well as the overhead reading lights.
>>
>> Turn signal/ hazards / high beam indicator works on the instrument
>> cluster, other wise, its all dark. All fuses seem intact with no to a
>> blown state. In chatting with a VW service guy, he speculated that the
>> dimmer roll switch - "rheostat" near the headlight switch might be broke.
>> The factory replacement for this is about 120.00 dollars plus a shop
>> labor of 89.00 / hour. If anyone has had this part replaced, I would
>> appreciate you sharing your experiences. Thanks in advance for the
>> replies.
>
>If you do end up needing a new switch, do it yourself...really! You can
>save the labor (it does not take an hour to relplace this item).

It could also NOT be the switch. If the car was being driven for years without
the lights, the lights could be in need of replacement or just readjusting
in the instrument cluster. They lose connectivity in the socket after a while.
This isn't a hard job, just take your time and be careful so you don't break
the plastic.


--
Jeeps and dubs and everything's nice...