After a brief discussion with dRock on CVN about making the headlight switch backlighting work with the panel illumination (instead of being on all the time to burn out the bulbs), he posted this wiring diagram that identified the circuits to be modified.

http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/media/459510_1

With the Wh/Pu wires (blazing white due to the flash) from the 2 headlight switch connectors (top) cut & their switch ends connected to the rear defrost switch's (bottom) Or/Bk wire, the h/l switch backlighting bulbs will be dimmable, and will last MUCH longer. Since Ford has never offered replacement bulbs alone (only with a complete switch), this mod can save a lot of money for '95-02 Panther owners who want these lights to work. In '02-up, Ford made this modification.

Owner caption November 2006 · Photo 60 of 133