Are gears lite by incandescent lamp and not a fuse

If the lights that illuminate the gear box panel on the shifter don't light up...I'd suspect a blown fuse. Your Owner's Manual will tell you what type of fuse and where that fuse is located in the fuse box. P.S. I've had a couple Pontiacs and never had to replace a bulb or lamp for the gear box lighting. Good Luck! Racer X

I know this. The owners manual does not have any gear panel fuse in it at all. This is why I'm asking which fuse box and which number it is.

Is it an automatic or manual transmission? I ask because my Pontiac is a manual and the shifter pattern on the console is illuminated by a bulb that is accessed by taking the top panel off of the console. Also, whether it is a bulb or other type of illumination (flexible light tube, etc.) there must be a source of light. A fuse would not be dedicated to this single function and would likely cause other "accessories" (dash lights, dc voltage plug, courtesy lamps, trunk switch, etc.) not to work. So, if it is multiple things look for a fuse labeled "accessories" otherwise disassemble the panel it is located in and find the bad bulb.