1997 4runner tail lights and dash light problem

[super_adyk]

Hello people,

I have a problem with the tail lights and the dash illumination lighting. The dash illumination and tail lights just quit working. ++the head lights come ON fine++

The steps I tried so far:

1) checked the 10A fuse under the hood -it was fine but I still replaced it (issue still present)
2) checked the tail light relay with tester (works fine I can here the clicking inside it)
2) tested the light switch for continuity (can here the beep in the tester indicating the switch works)

Not sure what to do next... any advice?

P.s. I also checked the dimming nob, it makes no difference when rotating...

[fourwd1]

The closest wiring diagram I have is for a 97 Taco, but they should be similar.
It shows 2 fuses, 1 for the tail lights and 1 for the dash illumination (marked PANEL).
But both are controlled by the Tail light relay, so you might have a bad relay.
A bad ground somewhere in the circuit or other wiring problem could also do it.