No Dash illumination !

Hello All, I have a problem with no Dash or switch lighting when headlights turned on, the inside of car is complete darkness at night unless I turn on an interior light, which, by the way, all work fine.
I have looked through Haynes manual to see what fuse they're on but can't seem to see a specific fuse for dash/switch illumination.
Could there be a problem with the headlight switch, if this actually turns on dash illumination when headlights switched on ( dont want to pay 40 odd quid for new one if its not the problem).
Any help most gratefully received as this is a pain driving slow everywhere not knowing my speed and grasping round in the dark for radio controls etc...
Nearly forgot, my car is Passat 130TDi Sport Estate, 2001 :confused:

Hi, 1st a silly check :- have you checked the dash panel light dimmer switch next to the headlamp controll unit ?
Having a look at the wiring diags in Elsawin if your lights are on then supply to the dimmer switch should be there also.
Check please. Regards Richard

Here is a diag that might help if some one can advise me how to attach a file (I cannot get it to work)

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Originally Posted by richard@thebrae

Here is a diag that might help if some one can advise me how to attach a file (I cannot get it to work)

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Hi Richard, I have had a look at dimmer switch, rotating it does nothing, also had a peek through with fuse cover off no loose wires that I can tell with limited space to get fingers in, I will have to take part of dash off to get a proper look at it. By the way I'm a complete novice at any mechanical/electrical stuff but thanks for wiring diagram anyway, regards Michael.
This problem has arisen a couple of times before but a quick bang with a fist near switch area has sorted it out.

Ok from what you tell me it sounds almost certainly a loose connection. What you need to do is drop the dash panel under the steering wheel.
To do this you will need a torx 20 bit to fit the 4 screws which are located as follows :-
2 under the fuse cover at the side of the dash and 2 along the bottom where the loose change cubby hole is and the car service manual.
The panel will drop down so be carefull of the light switch wires and the Diag socket wires (not to stretch or break them).
The panel also slots in a large clip near the gas pedal make sure you slot into this clip on assembly.
With a light you will be able to see every thing easily and you should be able to test for voltage and find that loose connection. Be carefull not to short any live wires
Good Luck Richard