No Instrument Lights

Ok so i started up my 2000 auto trans 3.4L Prerunner the other night and noticed my instrument lights weren't working. Started checking into it and not only were those out but my glovebox light, a/c and heat lights, and my light for the floor shifter were out. All my gauges and everything work, i even have the turn signal indicators, high beam indicator light, etc on the dash work fine. I checked the fuse in the engine compartment and the one under the dash and they were good. Has anyone had this problem or any solutions or am i just gonna have to start chasing wires? any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Found the problem....the rheostat switch was burned out.

 

where is that switch located... i have an 04 prerunner with the same problem but mine pops on whenever it wants...did yours do this?

 

on mine its right behind the dash to the left of the steering wheel. all it is is the brightness control for the instrument lights. if your's are coming on and off erratically i'd probable say you have a short somewhere as opposed to a burned out switch