Instrument panel fuse blows

[kevstoy]

Just as the title says, I keep blowing fuses left and right and I have absolutely NO gauges whatsoever. I'd say it was a bad ground, but I don't know where the ground is at. I can put a fresh fuse in, turn the key to ON, and get readings, and I can turn on the car and it won't blow. But when I put the car into reverse or drive, the car jerks forward and the entire instrument cluster goes out.

HELP!!:mad:

[CKJ]

I see a TPI intake for your avatar... could you give me a little information on what kind/year/make car you have sir :thumbsup: All cars may seem to be created equal...but have many differences indeed.

[myersfw]

Me thinks you have a serious short! Might try dropping the knee panel and looking to see if there's anything obvious, like burned/crimped or broken/chewed up wiring/connector. Smell any smoke? Hearing any crackling or humming?
Whatever you do, please DO NOT try putting in a larger fuse!

[kevstoy]

^Yeah I was thinking about putting in a larger fuse, but I might end up with a "fire" bird like that of my 1972 (old wiring caused a fire). It's an '86 Trans Am. And before I forget, I will mention that I had a very small fire in the engine compartment a few years ago, but didn't have a problem with the instrument panel until lately.

Also maybe this will help out, but for the past 60,000 miles my seat belt light flickers/stays on/turns off, etc. while I'm driving or when I am just sitting still. While it's flickering and whatever, the chime goes off too (naturally).