I've Seen The Light...not

[galahad]

Hi all.

I own a 1996 corolla - 1.3 XLi

The instrument panel is the type without a tachometer, i.e. 3 dials - speedometer, petrol gauge and temperature.

Here's the thing:

On the speedometer the lower right numbers (200 km/h and 220 km/h) are less illuminated than the rest when backlighting is on. I assumed a bulb had gone so replaced the four coloured bulbs on the back of panel. No joy. The lighting is brighter, but still uneven.

And here's the odd thing:

When i press the trip-counter pin to reset the counter the uneven lighting suddenly becomes as bright for those two speeds as the rest of the dial. Until I release it - then they go back to dim again.

Any help greatly appreciated!!

Cheers