Removed the DIC (Driver Information Centre) to check the LDR (Light Dependant Resistor). Keep in mind that the switch panel and the Display panel have been seperated at the time of conversion - unfortunately GM used a flexible plastic sheet as the cct board - reconnecting this for the new layout is a problem.
The LDR is a cadnium sulphide based resistor which changes resistance in response to light (photons). (Two types avail Jaycar - use the lower restistance one)
So - bright sunny day, light floods into the LDR portal, resistance drops very low (2^ ~ 2K^) this drives the circuitry and the dash lights become bright.
As it gets darker outside, the resistance rises exponentualy, drives the dash lights down, ie dims them down.
The LDR can be replaced, they are not polarised, desolder and drop a new one in. OR - Short the legs with solder, gives very low resistance, dash lights on their brightest setting permanently. Did toy with this idea, but I like things to work as designed, so I planned to get a new LDR.
BUT - Whilst looking, with my ever decaying eyesight, I noticed an issue, upon re-looking thru an illuminated scope, I could see that one wire leg of the LDR was moving in the solder joint on the cct board, this would be a very HIGH RESISTANCE and would keep the dash dimmed down to off. And since it moved, would explain the changes from time to time that initially made me think it was partially working but the components had aged, and needed replacing.
Re-soldered, re-installed, seems to work, but now its night, I'll retest tomorrow, in the meantime I'll check the headlighrs grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
The headlights come on but once again the LH will not drive up.
Since I had to move the DIC wiring, I can only assume I have some intermittent wiring/connector fault under the dash.
Now back to searching for a cct diagramm, but puzzled by only one driving up - but both sides illuminated. I hate intermittents.
Hope this helps someone.