Should dash lights be on?

[sagacis]

Search did not yield a direct answer, so I ask:

Should my dash lights be on when the car is on? Generally, I have not noticed dash lights on when driving. They come on fine (although as dim as expected) when the headlights are on.

Yesterday, in the garage before turning off the engine, I noticed all the dash lights were on. Headlights and dome light were off. Turning off the car turned off the lights.

In the morning, the dash lights came on while the car was on for my drive to work. Now, they don't seem to be on when I drive. Which way is correct? Should they be on when I drive or off?

Thanks...

[Dan Owens]

I don't believe they are suppose to be on until you pull on the headlight switch to either select the parking light only level or the full headlight level. Your headlight switch may be going bad.