recently bought an 89 240
The dashlights have never worked for me.

The fuse blows instantly when I turn the lights on.

I have disconnected several components, assuming that if it is disconnected and the fuse still blows... that particlar part is not my problem, right?

Okay, so I started with the RR taillight. Fuse still blew

I disconnected the rheostat, fuse still blew.

I disconnected the stuff in the center console (ashtray light & rear seatbelt light)fuse still blew
I disconnected the instrument panel, fuse still blew.

I disconnected the center-dash-console parts... and it still blew.

Lastly, I unplugged the light for the shifter... the fuse blew, but it blew differently this time
It usually snaps in a fraction of a second... this time it glowed and melted the fuse a little before it snapped. Mind you this was only a couple of seconds, but it is usually instant.

I was unable to explore further or try anything else in the shifter console because I ran out of fuses.


Any guesses? Have I missed something?

Thanks

 

Is this a wagon? I guess you have determined that the dash lights are on the right side parking lamp circuit. Assuming this is a wagon, most likely the harness(es) running through the hatch hinges are broken and shorting out. If it is a sedan, check the schematics but it could be under the car and it is the overdrive solenoid wiring broken and shorting out. Finally, it is possible it is the front right parking light as you haven't made it that far yet apparently.