I would like to know if on a 70 malibu, the small fuse which is located at the bottom left on the fuse panel, which I believe to be the dash light fuse. Should i have power at this fuse at all times or is it switch activated. This is the only fuse in the fuse box which does not have power. I can not get power with the fuse in or out on either side of the fuse holders, I have tried with my headlights on as well as turning the dimmer on and off. My tail lights do work as i believe their may be a connection between the dash lights and the tail lights. I just dont have dash lights and i cant turn on the dome light with the head light switch.

The headlight switch must be pulled on, to at least the parking light position, for the instrument panel lamp fuse to have power.
The rheostat in the headlight switch may be defective. The knob
is turned all the way counter clockwise?

The headlight switch must be pulled on, to at least the parking light position, for the instrument panel lamp fuse to have power.
The rheostat in the headlight switch may be defective. The knob
is turned all the way counter clockwise?
Yes, the headlight switch is pulled out and the knob turned. No power across the instument panel fuse. And I cant get my dome light to come on by turning the headlight switch. I am not sure what a rheostat is. Is it repairable or is does the switch need replacing?

The rheostat is inside the headlight switch and is what adjusts the brightness of the dash lights. If you turn the headlight knob you should feel some resistance on it. Make sure that isn't all the way off.

I am thinking it kinda sounds like the headlight switch since the dash lights and the dome light will not turn on from the headlight switch. I guess with a bad switch that would stop me from getting power at the dash instrument fuse in the fuse box?

jeez, now my headlights dont work. Does anyone have a suggestion on where to get a replacement switch? Napa, autozone? or special order?

before i buy anything, check the ground behind that switch. Theres a metal ring with a wire going to the dash frame. make sure thats all good, a broken wire there can do funny things

Thanks will do..