Mitsubishi Repair: Electrical, fog light switch, miguel vargas

Question
1990 2.0 DOHC GSX, Manual
Ok, I am not quite sure how to ask this question, but here are the basics.  I have a couple of concerns which are all all electrical except for one.  Lets start with the electrical issues.
1.  My dash lights do not work.  By dash lights I mean the lights over the gauges as well as over the heater gauges etc.  I am at a loss I have checked for loose connections but have found nothing and I am assuming that both of these different areas are on different circuits.  What do i do next?
2.The auto lapbelt on the drivers side does not function.  I looked for a fuse problem but the fuse for seatbelts are fine.  What do i do next
3.  Last but not least when I first start my vehicle in idle, it surges.  The RPM's rise and fall.  Is this a problem with the idle or do i have a bigger problem on my hands?

Thank you
Miguel Vargas

Answer
Miguel,
Your dash lights and the lights used to light up your heating and cooling knobs are all on the same circuit.  They are in turn controlled by a little knob located below your fog light switch.  Try turning that all the way up when your car is running and your headlights are on to see if you notice the dash lights come on.  Also, check to see if any of your brake lights are out.  Many times you will loose your dash lights as an indication to check your brake lights.  If you notice any of the bulbs in your brake lights are not lighting up when your headlights are on or when you step on the brake pedal, replace them. Then check you dash lights again after you replaced the bulbs.

You'll want to have the seat belt motor checked.  It may have burned out, got stuck, or a harness may have become disconnected.

For your idle issue, there is in fact a syndrome known as "idle surge".  And it's just as you described; the idle will rise and fall for no apparent reason.  This is caused by a faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) motor.  Also known as an Idle Speed Controller (ISC).  This is a little stepper motor attached to your throttle body. It allows a certain amount of air into your engine when you're not stepping on the gas pedal.  When this motor starts to malfunction, it simply cannot regulate the air flow, and keeps "guessing" where it should be; hence, you get that surge.  It's not uncommon to happen, but a new IAC motor can be expensive.  Try to find yourself a used one or remanufacturered one if your mechanic verifies it's faulty.
Good luck!