Well, if it's anything like my '96, there are two ways.
My car has two little map light switches on the roof beside
the interior light(s) they light up the left or right side map
lights as needed.
The other way is by using the dash light dimmer switch. Mine
is a rotary switch located on the dash, left of the steering column.
you just rotated it with your thumb (or whatever) to make the dash
lights brighter or dimmer. When I rotate it all the way towards bright,
and then a bit beyond, the overhead interior lights come on.
FriPilot
headlights and dash lights in 2001 sunfire wont turn on.
I'm guessing that you want to be able to turn off the daytime running lights on your car. As far as I know, there is no such switch on the Sunfire. The daytime running lights are on whenever the car is running and is in gear.
check your fuses?
Check for a loose ground connection
turn the inside lights off
Because power from the battery, which was going to the lights, is being utilised to turn the starter motor. You should really start the car before you turn on your lights to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the battery
On my 98 sunfire, the tail lights and marker lights only work if you turn on the headlights. If only the daytime lights are on, the Pontiac on the trunk is illuminated but no other lights at the rear until brakes or turn signals are activated. This is common with a lot of vehicles out there. Daytime running lights are not necessarily the same candle power as the headlights. I can tell a big difference in mine.
Pulling the turn signal switch toward you should switch the lights to the low beams. If that doesn't work, you may have to replace the switch, which means replacing the entire turn signal stalk.
Generally, a blinking DRL indicator on the dash means that there is a headlight burned out. Replacing them is cheap and easy.
If the batteryu & starter are good, I would check the neutral safety switch
replace the starter
There are lights inside it so when you turn it on it glows.