1991 Honda Civic backlights.

Since the car is of the age it is, I am thinking it is because there is a short in the wiring system. When the wiring insulation gets old it becomes brittle and can crack, therefore causing the wire to be exposed. If the wire is exposed then it could be grounding out and not allowing the lights in the cluster or shifter to light up. I am going to be posting a Guide on how to find wiring shorts and parasitic drains on www. Fixmycivic. Net within a week, on the electrical page. You can also find fuse diagrams there aswell.

Good luck!