ok....first of all....i think my explanation of how they are wired in was inaccurate, when i said side lights i meant that when the side lights come on the gauges do too along with all the dash lights, so i suspect that thats where they are wired in, there are defo no wires in the engine bay, they're all under the dash.....oh joy. second! U GUYS ROCK! i had a feeling it was somethin like this which is a bit of a pain as i am in no way good with electrics but i DO understand wot u have said, a single faulty line in the middle of the wires that has gradually got worse over time would explain why then over time the lighting of the gauges has got worse too. thank u for your input lads, it has been MOST helpful. next step....taking a look at some wires perhaps! thanks! Phil.