Thanks, I already rotated the rheostat, that did nothing, I hope that the shift bulb is bad, and that bulb completes the circuit of when the head lights are turned auto/on.
I also noticed that when in the daylight (out of my garage setting with fluorescent lights on), that the radio/climate back lights stay illuminated when I turn on the lights (going from off to AUTO position), when I pull back into the garage the lights radio/climate back lights click off again - so I assume there is a dual circuit, one for the auto/lights on setting, and one when in the non auto/on position of the head lights.
I will search for the bulb replacement stuff.
I have just purchased the car and very impressed with it so far, smooth, powerful, supportive seats, and everything has linear, smooth feel, from acceleration to braking and steering. My previous ride is Volvo 960 which does everything well also, just not as quiet and refined ride, but a great all round car. I had a 89 Cressida which was also an impressive car, the ES reminds me of it somewhat, but front wheel drive is different, this ES is quieter and smoother than the Cressida which says alot.
2005 ES330/55k