Chrysler Repair: Instrument panel lights on 2001 van, soldering pencil, interior lamps

Question
Hello. I own a Spanish 2001 2.4L Voyager (later model). Since about a week ago, whenever i turn the lights on, i get external lights, but no lighting in the instrument panel nor a/c commands nor radio commands,...
I,ve checked for a blown fuse, but I can´t find any related with interior lighting.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Juan,
There is a single voltage source for all the interior lamps that illuminate the cluster and all the other dimmable lights on the dash:heater a/c control, radio, headlamp switch, etc. So IF the others are working the source of voltage is present but it is not being received by the bulbs in the instrument cluster. My suspicion is that there is a cold solder joint at the instrument cluster plug wherein the electrical connection between the plug and the circuit board is disconnected. This issue has been raised by several other owners and that appears to be what the problem is. So if you remove the cluster and inspect all the solder points at the plug-in connection where it attaches to the circuit board it will probably reveal a poor solder joint. If you have a soldering pencil you can reheat the solder and thus provide a reconnect. The specific pin in number 6 on the cluster plug-in.
If all the dimmable lights are not working then the fuse that supplies power to the body control module should be checked, specifically: fuse 28 in the power distribution center under the hood.
Let me say that I am limited to a '98 Chrysler shop manual but the chances are good that it applies to your newer model.
Please let me know if I can be of further help.
Roland