Howdy, new member here but have read a lot of posts. I have an '86 Firebird I am working on and I'm at a loss. The cluster lights (orange back lighting, gear shift lights, climate control lights) come on when you turn the key on. If you just turn the parking lights or headligts on with the key off no dash lights come on but if I turn the key on even if the headlight switch is off the cluster lights come on. I've checked the wires for splicing etc cant find any hacking ???? Any idea's , thanks in advance

 

It sure sounds like some hacking has gone on. They obviously work. They are just being powered by a different source. Maybe the splice is hidden in behind the dash area somewhere. Here is a diagram so you can check around for power where it should be.

 

It sounds like someone might have disconnected the interior hi-lo switch and rewired to ignition power wire by fuse box. The interior hi-lo switch is above the headlight switch. I believe ignition switch power is pink w/black stripe heavy gauge wire.