Dash light issue. ??

[JCS43]

I have a 1996 Explorer Limited that I mainly use for a back up tool truck. I only drive it about 2-3 times a month and it is great for what's need except that when I occasionally drive it at night the dash lights will go out. When this happens the turn signals will not work. Otherwise I wouldn't be too concerned.
The headlights and tail lights stay on and work fine. When this happens they might be out for 30 seconds or the remainder of the trip. Most of the time after I've driven it with the lights out and park it they will come on the next time I use it. Occasionally I will start it and turn the lights on and the dash lights won't come on. Most of the time they do come on.
They're is never a certain time it happens. Always very random. I have noticed that it almost never happens when it is cold outside. (Below 50 degrees).

I've checked everything I can think of, fuses connections etc... and everyone I've asked has never heard of this happening without it just being a fuse.

Has this happened to anyone else? Has anyone heard of this?

Thanks for any info!

 

[blulite]

fiddle with your dash light dimmer. mine went out one day and after I fiddled with the dimmer everything has been fine since. I just put it down to a dirty terminal. don't think my turn signals were affected though.