Dash illumination

[muffildy]

I was hoping someone could tell me how to get my dashboard to light up.

Currently, the dashboard will only illuminate if i turn on the highbeams.
The dimmer switch seems to work correctly with the highbeams on i can change the brightness.
I opened the light switch and tried using electronics cleaner.
I have checked the fuses and found none broken.

I would like to have the dashboard illuminate without having to turn on the highbeams; i would also like to be able to turn off my daytime running lights and be able to turn them back on again without having to take anything apart.

Edit: this is for a 2002 vw beetle TDI