Instrument Lights don't work

[RecoveringAcademic]

So I drove my new (old) van for the first time at night last night.

What? No instrument lights? How fast (slow) am I going?

Dimmer switch... felt suspiciously slack.
Lucky my phone has an torch on it.

Got back home and had a nightmare later that night;
driving along a twisty country lane and all the lights switch off, and on, and off and on and off
I wouldn't have minded but Jennifer Anniston had invited me back to hers..........couldn't find her place. No lights - probably for the best.

Hmmm, where to start? (....with the lights: J.A.'s off limits says Her Indoors)
I've pushed and pulled, checked this and that without a clue what I'm doing.

Ideas gratefully received.

[California Dreamin]

Four headlamp version? without a relay........the headlamp switch contacts (stalk on the column) is carrying fair bit of load so can become tarnished and pitted...The main rocker switch can also be a problem for the same reasons of age and current load and infact can overheat and melt.
Fuses? again contact and condition.
Lets not forget the earthing crowns (to the left of the fuse box) which are also prone to corrosion and subsequent high resistance.

Martin

[AngeloEvs]

Happened to me with head lights intermittent - it was a fried spade connector on the earth crown as suggested by California Dreaming.

[Hacksawbob]

You are aware that the instrument fuse Is above the relays in horizontal orientation not with the rest of the fuses.

[RecoveringAcademic]

You are aware that the instrument fuse Is above the relays in horizontal orientation not with the rest of the fuses.

Well I am now.......... cheers

[RecoveringAcademic]

Four headlamp version? without a relay........the headlamp switch contacts (stalk on the column) is carrying fair bit of load so can become tarnished and pitted...The main rocker switch can also be a problem for the same reasons of age and current load and infact can overheat and melt.
Fuses? again contact and condition.
Lets not forget the earthing crowns (to the left of the fuse box) which are also prone to corrosion and subsequent high resistance.

Martin

I'm getting there with all your help. I'm really grateful to you all.

Think I'll replace the switch.

Some Numpty has sawn two extra holes in the front grill and added two extra lights. So there's been a bit of fiddling... I know the original fit wasn't the best in the world, but a hacksaw and two spare lights doesn't solve every problem does it (Bob)?