Hey Bforbrandonnn,

I have the same problem on my 1998 Malibu. I have read other places that the instrument dimmer switch is flimsy and prone to overheating and lifting pads. I took mine out to troubleshoot and I will confirm that it is flimsy, but mine is pristine. Voltage is present and the wiper arm voltage varies when I move the thumb wheel. So everything seems good up to there. The next device in line is the lighting control module (LCM) which is just a big 'ol power transistor on a heat sink. This transistor switches source voltage with the level controlled by the dimmer switch. After the LCM come the actual dash lights.

Anyway I'm pretty sure the problem is and open junction in the transistor and I would just swap it out but I can't figure out how to get the darned thing out. The Haynes manual says it should be located to the left of the steering wheel shaft. It is actually located on the right of the steering column about halfway up the dash. There is welded structure around the device making it impossible to get a 7mm wrench or socket on it. Thinking it might come out more easily through the top I removed the gauge cluster and radio and heater control panel but I can't even see the unit from there. There has to be a procedure for changing the part out as it is a fairly high failure item from what I understand but I don't know what it is. Maybe someone else has had this problem and can answer it for us.

 

It seems like my problem is only getting worse. A few days ago the lights behind my ac/heat knobs went out along with the lights under my gear lever. Last night I got off work and my tail lights aren't working. I still have break lights and turn signals though. I have no idea what could be going on. Maybe a short somewhere?

 

A short, by definition, is when two wires (or circuits, as in the case of a ground) cross each other. This usually results in a blown fuse. If you haven't already, pull each fuse in the box and test it with an ohmmeter. There should be zero resistance.

Also, search on this website for "fretting corrosion" and read up on that. You could be suffering from a similar issue.