Cluster & Centerstack Controls do not backlight

If this is the analog intrument cluster and the entire instrument cluster is intermittently losing illumination, remove the instrument cluster light fuse and replace it with a new fuse. It is remotely possible that the actual fuse holder wires have broken due to age and would need to be soldered back together.
If this is the digital instrument cluster and the entire display is going dead, it could be anything from the wiring harness to the BCM. If it is the digital instrument cluster, I can really only recommend taking it to a reputable shop or Cadillac dealer to service.

No other messages in the driver info center ?
This section provides an overview of the instrument cluster operation as well as a detailed diagnosis. The instrument cluster serves as the primary interface for the vehicle's driver.
The instrument cluster contains a microprocessor as part of the instrument panel assembly. The instrument cluster performs the following functions:
• Recognizes operational malfunctions
• Alerts the driver through indicators
• Stores DTCs which identify malfunction areas
In order to perform all of these functions, the instrument cluster microprocessor has its own inputs, outputs and program software. The instrument cluster has the capability to diagnose malfunctions in the following components:
• The sensors
• The input switches
• The components
• The systems the instrument cluster communicates with or controls
When the instrument cluster or another microprocessor-controlled module detects a malfunction, the instrument cluster may turn on an instrument cluster indicator in order to alert the driver that a malfunction has occurred. Some indicator lamps have dual controls. Your best bet is have it checked for DTC'S diagnostic trouble codes !

Principles of Operation
The instrument cluster sends a signal to the instrument panel dimmer switch. The instrument cluster provides a variable pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the dimmable backlighting components in accordance with the position of the instrument panel dimmer switch.

• The instrument cluster illumination is inoperative

• Instrument cluster

• INSTALL a new instrument cluster. REFER to Section 413-01 . TEST the system for normal operation.

SJB -location below center of instrument panel
Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer concern.

1. Visually inspect the following for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
   
   Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical
   • Instrument panel dimmer switch
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Smart junction box (SJB) fuse(s):
     • 7 (10A)
     • 15 (30A)
   • Circuitry
   • Illumination bulbs
   • Instrument cluster
   • SJB

if the odometer is working then the problem is with the speedometer head unit as the odometer gets its information from the same source as the speedometer. you can have the speedometer head checked and fixed if its fixable.

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the instrument cluster assembly. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .
2. Unhook the speedometer cable from the heater case.
3. Remove the grommet from the bulkhead.
4. Feed the speedometer cable through the bulkhead.
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Unscrew the speedometer cable (1) from either the transfer case or the transmission. Remove the speedometer cable (1) from either the transfer case or the transmission. Remove the speedometer cable (1) from the clamp. Remove the speedometer cable (1) from the vehicle.
Instrument Cluster Replacement
Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the hazard lamps switch by gently pulling the knob straight up. Remove the instrument cluster bezel from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Cluster Trim Plate Bezel Replacement . Remove the 4 screws and pull the instrument cluster assembly forward from the instrument panel. Disconnect the 3 electrical connectors. Remove the speedometer cable at the speedometer head. Remove the instrument cluster assembly from the vehicle.
Remove the 5 screws (2) and the steering column upper and lower covers (1, 3).
Remove the 4 screws and the instrument cluster bezel from the vehicle.

Your question is a little vague.
The '86 Vanagon instrument cluster comes out as a unit.
Simply sit in the driver's seat and reach over the housing. Find the indentations and lift the rear of the cover until it loosens (about 2 inches). Then pull housing forward about 1/2 inch to disengage and lift off.
Cluster can then be removed for service/replacement of gauges by unscrewing 4 Philips head screws at corners, carefully disengaging wiring harnesses, unclipping speedo cable and lifting off.

Try to remove the instrument panel and disconnect the harness to see if doing that gets rid of the blown fuse when starting the car. If it does, then the instrument panel should be replaced with another. If the fuse still blows when starting, then there is a wire shorted to ground somewhere.
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Instruments and Switches Instrument Cluster Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate.
2. Remove the instrument cluster mounting screws.
3. Rotate the instrument cluster rearward and lift up on the top of the cluster in order to disengage the locating pins.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the instrument cluster.
5. Remove the instrument cluster.

To Install:

1. Connect the electrical connectors to the instrument cluster.
2. Position the locating pins to the holes in the instrument panel.
3. Install the instrument cluster by rotating the top inward.
4. Install the mounting screws.
5. Install the trim plate.

Hello, You can obtain a 2004 Ram Factory Service Manual with all of that information available from Promanuals.net. The reason why it may be so important is because right before the removal instructions the service manual has diagnostic instructions to try. There are numerous pages on removing the instrument cluster, and cluster bezel.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. (For Airbag)

(2) Remove the cluster bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
CLUSTER BEZEL - REMOVAL).

(3) Remove the four screws that secure the instrument
cluster to the instrument panel structural support
(Fig. 5).

(4) Pull the instrument cluster rearward far
enough to access and disconnect the instrument
panel wire harness connectors for the cluster from
the connector receptacles on the back of the cluster
housing.

(5) Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument
panel.

Difficult to explain step by step. You need yo remove the instrument cluster. If youre technically minded its not very hard, start by loosening the Phillip"s head screws that is visible on the panel directly under the instrument cluster, give it a try!

Regards
Phillip

Probably too late but I had the same problem yesterday. Try changing your battery. It sounds crazy but it worked for me.