ok this could be a VERY remote possibility... but it HAS happened b4 to us (on a 91 Park Avenue). There was a staple that got into a cigarette lighter and shorted the lighter and would blow fuses. I beleive the lighters were on a lighting circuit. So inspect everything thats on that circuit carefully....

Unless you have suddenly managed to blow about three or four backlighting bulbs at once, I'd guess your problem is with either the headlight switch rheostat (the dimmer) or some wiring somewhere. I would check out the headlight switch first.

Sorry, I forget what year your car was, but the TechInfo article on dismantling the 1993 dash gauge cluster contains details on how to get the headlight switch out as well.

A new twist to the light problem. I now can replace the fuse and have gauge lights, but as soon as I touch the brake pedel the fuse blows. I will now check the brake circuit.

Bob

Check for pinched wires around the brake pedal. I can't think of anyplace where the brake pedal could possibly ground the dash lighting circuit, unless someone has been doing something seriously stupid to the wiring in the dash.

Do your brake lights still work, or are you blowing that fuse as well?

Ahhh yes, a very intriguing clue. I'll have to think about that one.

I'm with Andy on this one. The brake pedal goes two different directions via linkages under the dash befor going into the firewall, and a wire could somehow have gotten in there. The only other thing I can think of is perhaps a previous owner had an aftermarket stereo in it, then put the original back in prior to reselling it, then crossed a wire somewhere with your brake wiring. Just an idea. I hate electrical problems. :?

I have found the trouble with the gauge lights! With some time and more fuses I set out to find out just what was happening. Now I live on a hill so I alwasy use the emergency bake when parked. When I leave I put on the brakes and release the emergency brake at the same time, this is why I thought it was the brake circuit. What I found was when I released the emergency brke the fuse blew. Right beside the pedal is a wiring harness and it was shorting out when the pedal was released only. I have since moved the harness over and put some wrap on the harness to stop any contact.
A big thankyou to all that replied and got me pointed in the right direction.