Instrument cluster backlights not working

[AntrimMark]

Hi.
I have a 97 TJ Sahara 4.0L automatic. The backlights on the instrument cluster are not working. The instrument specific lights such as turn signals, low fuel warning, parking brake light etc all work fine so I know it's not the fuse. I've tested the bulbs with a multimeter so I know they're good. I've tried swapping the bulbs for LED bulbs and nothing changed. Where should I look next?
Thanks,
Mark

 

[Web98]

I would pull and inspect all fuses. My guess is something is shorting and its popping. Those lights still worked on my instrument cluster when the lights did not. I pulled apart the dash trying to chase a pinched or frayed wire. Was driving me nuts couldn't find anything. Had a light bulb go off in my head moment and pulled the plastic over the shifter knob. The wire in there had been pinched and was causing the short. A little electrical tape and no problems since. Good luck, like I said I would check the fuses. I believe the fuse for that reads "panel lights" not sure, I would just check them all. Only takes a couple minutes.

 

[Chris]

I'd check the connections to the gauge cluster itself.

 

[xxdabroxx]

Are they getting power from the headlight switch?

 

[AntrimMark]

Thanks for the advice... turned out it was the fuse blowing, shorted by a loose wire from an aftermarket tilt and roll guage that the previous owner had installed. Removed the rogue wire and replaced the fuse, everything works fine now.