Tail light and instrument panel out

[mr_kev]

I have a 94 4cyl. Recently, I was driving and (think I) heard a pop. My instrument panel went dark and I found out so did my tail lights (I still have brake lights and turn signals). I replaced the 15 amp fuse for the tail lights but it blew again quickly. I have two questions:
1. Would it be stupid to try a 20 amp fuse?
2. Does the fact that the instrument cluster and the tail lights went at the same time narrow down my problem?

Thanks in advance.

[Ryan]

Unfortunately the fact that they both went at the same time makes the problem worse.

AFAIK, the two circuits aren't too connected.

Let me dig through diagrams...

cluster is powered by the 'meter' fuse.

tails are powered by 'tail' fuse...

I don't like the fact that they're different fuses

here, you take a look: http://www.mx-3.com/manuals/index.php?f ... /E/&page=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mr_kev]

Thank you for your response. I'm not sure, but it seemed like replacing the tail light fuse did not fix the cluster. That's why I wondered what would pop them both.

[Dragyn Vyrus]

same thing happened to me, it is a single fuse. I believe it was tail but check them all. once I replaced the fuse they both turned back on

[PoisonDrop]

1. Would it be stupid to try a 20 amp fuse?

Yes. If the fuse keeps popping then you have a bigger problem (usually a short somewhere).

2. Does the fact that the instrument cluster and the tail lights went at the same time narrow down my problem?

If by tail lights you mean "illumination lights" (the ones that come on with the first click of the light switch), then they are on the same circuit, and yes, that would narrow down your problem to that circuit. Check the TNS relay under the dash. It could be what's popping your fuses if it's fried.

[umcamara]

It's not uncommon when a filament in a bulb burns out for the remaining pieces to short together. Seen this many times. One of the first things I would do is remove the bulbs on that circuit and check for one that's burnt. Once you've removed the bulb that's shorting out, if you replace the fuse, it shouldn't blow again.

I'd put my money on this. Although I don't have much money...