Both the lights on the gear selector and instrument panel dash went out at the same time on my 1990 XJ. I’ve tried swapping out the light bulb under the gear selector and that didn’t work so I swapped out the #8 5V fuse on the driver side fuse box- still didn’t work. I’m not sure if both the dash and gear selector lights are connected by the same wire?Its strange they both went out at the same time and new fuse isn’t working​​​​​​. Any suggestions?

 

Try testing the headlight switch, it controls all the interior lights as well. Does you dome light still work?

 

Yes dome lights work, head lights and tail lights work too so it doesn’t seem to be a headlight switch issue.

 

The headlight switch controls the dash and gear selector lights as well, they dim when you turn the headlight switch.You need to test the feeds on the wires on the back of the switch, I'm sure someone can chime in on the wire color of the instrument lights.

 

Any chance you just did something with the in-dash radio?

 

Ok so this “fixed” the problem, but I feel like an idiot…
turns out (pun intended) I didn’t know the light switch also turns. I’ve been trying to figure this problem out for a few weeks and all I had to do was turn the switch.
I figured I must’ve accidentally turned it off while cleaning the inside of the car, I normally would just pull the light switch in and out to turn the lights on, I had no idea you could dim them lol. I’m just relieved this isn’t a wiring issue.

I appreciate it