the black connectors on the IP do not control the IP's lights. they are power and signal for the computer and LCD's. if there is a problem with them connections, the total dash could go black, giving impression of no lights.
You see, the dash is light from behind, and the LCD's allow the light to pass or block light depending on which segments are desired to be on. unlike many other digital dash's (my jimmy as an example, as well as the display in the climate control), which are florescent (sp?) or gas plasma type. they generate there own light.