Hello,
The odometer and gear indicator do not "light up" at all. For a while they were intermittent. I replaced the entire instrument panel (big board and small board) with same results. In both cases the odometer and the rest the instrument panel operates as designed. I have '98 GM Park Avenue book, and those indicators are listed as "VF display". I will troubleshoot per the book, but first I was wondering if anyone has the same problem and successfully fixed it?
Thanks in advance.
Phil

Just for curiosity sake have you tried pushing the TRIP -Reset button on the DIC, does that do anything?
Do you have the "factory service manual" for your 03 PA?

Yes.
When illumination is working the DIC (basic model with only ENG/MET and Trip reset) can be unplugged and will not affect illumination.
I have the factory '98 book which I have found to be right on in 99.9% of the time, so far.
It suggests checking the light control module and associated wiring which I'll do after the weekend.

I was the instrument panel after all.
Wow, was I ever on a wild goose chase of my own making.
After troubleshooting per the VF (vacuum fluorescent) display flow chart, then replacing the light control module (did not fix), I reinstalled just the original circuit boards (no face, stepper motors or housing). With the car running I started flexing the main circuit boar and wouldn’t you know it, the gear/odometer lights flashed on/off!
With a 2nd “replacement” instrument panel from the junk yard I was back in business. I almost forgot to mention I swapped the E PROM chip to keep the correct mileage on the replacement panel.
My downfall was trusting the first replacement panel was good.

Yes good work, & Thanks for letting us know it was the main circuit board.
I am glad you have it back working again!