I have a 2001 aurora where my instrument panel and shifting light does not power on . Needless to say it makes driving at night pretty hard. What could cause this? Is there a common ground or electrical link between the shifting section and instrument panel ? I have heard of one of them going out but not both at the same time , please advise of what to try .

Check the fuses. There might be one or two that controls them that has blown. The shifting light (I think I know what you're talking about) could be some resistors on the back of the instrument panel circuit board that have blown. This is a common problem in the Buick Century/Regal, and not too long ago, I had to replace them in mine. I'm not sure if the Aurora has a similar setup for that..