I recently purchased a 96' Ranger from a buddy of mine. When I bought it, the left hand half of the instrument panel did not light up when I turned on my headlamps. After a few weeks, the right side also went out.

I checked the fuses and they look fine. I went ahead and went through pulling out the gauges and sure enough the bulbs all looked blown. I went and purchased a new set, after the auto parts store gave me the wrong bulbs (do you're own research, I guess, they looked right, but were not the correct wattage [161 vs 194 bulbs]).

After replacing, still don't work. All the gauge lights (check engine, seat belt etc.) light up. One note, and I don't know why this would make a difference, but i replaced my Hi-Lo windshield wiper relays, didn't drive the car at night for a few days, then this happened. Not too sure if they'd would have any relationship, but they were close in proximity.

Any Suggestions?
Cheers
JJ