Nissan Repair: 2001 Nissan Xterra instrument illumination, illumination lights, nissan xterra

Question
son borrowed car now Instrument illumination lights don't work, on both dash and shifter. Fuses look good should I replace the brightness control switch or is there something else I should check first.
Thanks

Answer
Hi there, I don't recommend the replacement of any parts before a proper check. The fuses should be checked with a test light because a visual check it's not accurate. The dimmer switch plug should be tested for voltage with the light switch on. There is a resistor behind the instrument panel that needs to be checked also. There is a simple test you can run to rule the dimmer switch out: Remove the 2 terminal plug behind the switch. With the lights on, check the terminals with a test light. One of them will cause the test light to illuminate. Use a paper clip or small wire and jump the 2 terminals together. If the instrument lights come on, replace the dimmer switch. If there is no power to the terminals, check fuses and wiring. I understand that some of these tests require the know how and the proper tools, so I would recommend an auto electrician to locate the problem. It could be something very simple.