Problems with dashboard lights

That piece you think is a ceramic DRL module is a resistor , When in DRL mode voltage to the low beam headlamps circuit goes through that resistor dimming the headlamps from low beam to daytime running lamps . It sounds to me like you need a new resistor ,but without doing some electrical testing it could be a lot of things . The DRL relay in the under hood fuse box could have a problem , could be the BCM - body control module , the ambient light sensor etc... Here is how daytime running lamps work .
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
The ambient light sensor is a light sensitive transistor that varies its voltage signal to the body control module (BCM) in response to changes to the outside (ambient) light level. When the BCM receives this signal it will either turn on the daytime running lights (DRL) or the headlights. Any function or condition that turns on the headlights will cancel the daytime running lamps operation. With the headlight switch in the OFF position, the headlights will either be turned ON or OFF, after an approximate 30 second delay depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed. The HTR A/C IGN fuse in the underhood junction block supplies ignition positive voltage to the daytime running lamp (DRL) relay coil circuit. The DRL relay switch contacts are connected to the low beam circuit. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the BCM will either turn on or off the daytime running lamps, depending on whether daylight or low light conditions are sensed. The BCM energizes the DRL relay, closing the switch contacts and grounding the low beam circuit. Ground is provided at G101. The DRL illuminate the low beam headlights at a reduced intensity. The DRL will operate when the ignition switch is in the ON position, the gear selector is not in the PARK position and the parking brake is released. When these conditions have been met and the ambient light sensor indicates daytime conditions, the DRL will illuminate.

Daytime headlight issue ? No , no sensor behind the front bumper . No Daytime time head lamp issue , doesn't turn on the instrument panel light's . This is more then likely a remote dimmer module problem .
Interior Lights Dimming Circuit Description (Pontiac)
When the park lights are on, battery positive voltage (B+) is applied via CKT 32 (YEL) to the remote dimmer module. The interior dimming switch in the lamp dimmer switch is a variable resistor which applies the dimming input via CKT 44 (DK GRN) to the remote dimmer module. The potentiometer in the lamp dimmer switch cannot provide enough current in order to operate the incandescent lights. The remote dimmer module amplifies the current, applying a variable voltage to the incandescent lights. As the amount of current increases, the lamps become brighter. As the amount of current decreases, the lamps become dimmer.
The radio, heater and A/C control assembly, instrument cluster, and passenger climate control each has a vacuum fluorescent (VF) display. When each module receives an input that the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, each module activates the VF display at the full intensity. When the park lights are on, the radio receives the dimming level from an input on CKT 8 (GRY). The radio then relays this information to any other modules with VF displays. All modules with VF displays then adjust the dimming level of their VF display in order to match the level of the incandescent lamps.

There is nothign wrong with your car-when you turn on the headlights the car believes you are turnung them on because it is dark outside, so it automatically dims your dashboard lights for you (since it now thinks it's nighttime). Your car already has daytime running lights, so you don't need to turn your headlights on in the daytime-they come on automatically when the car is running. You can keep your dash lights dim or bright by adjusting the small black dial on the left side of the dashboard, whether headlights are on or off if you want to.

try turning the headlight switch either clockwise or counterclockwise

as far as the clock, not sure, but the dash lights problem sounds like the blinker switch,

what happens when you turn the knob to brite/dim the dash lights?

just to clarify, the radio lighting goes OUT? or it DIMS...? the lighting is supposed to dim when you turn the lights on (brighter at daytime) and should be controllable by the dimmer switch - the same one that controls the brightness of your dashboard. if the lighting is actually going out, i would suspect a problem the dimmer switch itself. good luck!

Is this for a 1999 Forester or for a 2004 forester, the title lists both years. If it is a 1999 model then the problem most likely resides within the clock itself. Unfortunately, many clocks of this vintage go bad over time. I offer a reasonable repair service and many clock removal instruction sheets at www.autoclockrepair.com
I'd be happy to assist.

Alternator bearings dry change the alternator again You should get a new one under warranty if its only 5 months old.

Had the same problem with my 97 Jetta it turned out to be the ignition switch. No problems since