Did a search and found a couple people with the same problem, but no clear answer.

In my 91, the backlighting that lights up the numbers and letting on the climate control works intermittantly. Last night when I got into the car and turned on my headlights, they were lit. After about 5 minutes or so, they were out. Then they came back on, went out and finally stayed on. Has anyone else that has/had this problem figured out what causes it?

Also, I don't have the automatic climate control.

 

yeah Ive had this problem since I bought the car but the lights didnt start lighting up untill a few nights ago

 

I had the same problem, it was driving me nuts!! what you should check out is to make sure the caps for the bulbs are secure in their slots. you have to remove the trim around your climate control and remove the cilmate control unit. At the top of the unit, you should see two caps make sure they're in snug enough by turning them with a flat head screwdriver. that should do it.

If you need new bulbs, you can get them from
Radioshack, part # 272-1092 12V. try not to loose the caps. good luck

 

it has to with a short some where, i asked the service dept.