Dashboard backlights not working?

type of car?

 

I presume it's a TR given the section it's posted in.

Could it be the instrument panel rheostat for the backlight problem?

 

Type was asked since there are differences between the TR and the 512 electrics, not to mention the boxer.

Is that a common problem? How is it resolved?
My tach is non functional, but I have noticed that if you fiddle with that rheostat the tach jumps around a bit.
Very odd.

 

Hid did say 86, making it TR. Don't think the rheostat is a common problem, but since he said fuses were OK I thought that might be another area he could investigate.

 

Ah. He did write 86. You are correct. Again.

That rheostat is in a particularly hard area to get at, since the odometer is right there.
There are two white connection blocks right behind that upright housing that might be investigated.
While I was looking at the connections to the tach, I noticed that someone had cut the wires for the 2 lights that are for the open boot and bonnet lights.

 

Are your lis plate lights working??????? Side marker lights? All are on the same fuse.Check mt post if yes to my Q. Let me know...Bryan

 

They aren't hard to get to at all.
You can find them by laying on the passenger side floor and reaching behind the upright center console, unless they have been tied up. A mirror helps if you can't find them.