Started up the other night, '96 2.0, turned lights on and the left side of the dials - the rev counter and fuel temperature gauge - were not lit up.

I haven't sorted out the reverse light switch issues yet (they work every now and then), and I've noticed they're on the same circuit as dash illumination. I'm wondering if these issues are connected?

Probably the bulb is dead (13 years is quite a long time). But it can happen that the bulb turns itself on again by itself because the contacts are little loose.
If it doesn't happen in the next few days replace it

Osaze wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 15:38:

Started up the other night, '96 2.0, turned lights on and the left side of the dials - the rev counter and fuel temperature gauge - were not lit up. I haven't sorted out the reverse light switch issues yet (they work every now and then), and I've noticed they're on the same circuit as dash illumination. I'm wondering if these issues are connected?

I had the same problem two days ago after cleaning the interior, I tapped the clear plastic cover and the right side bulb came back on! :D