2000 Windstar Headlights on with key out

[PFA]

I just bought a 2000 Windstar, knowingly with issues. First issue to deal with is that the headlights remain on after the van is off and key removed and light switch is in the off position. This totally drains the battery. After charging the battery, I put the terminals back on and lights come on automatically. I can also hear what sounds like the front inside fan motor turn on low. When I put the key in and turn it without starting, the fan goes off (the heater controls are in the off position). I had two blown fuses, 8 and 16. I changed the fuses and nothing changed.
The electrical issue still remains. I checked the fuses and they are blown again. I checked number 6 also, it is also blown. I have changed number 6, 8 and 16. As soon as I touch the battery cable, 8 and 16 blows. I have read about a wire (white/yellow) going up to the instrument cluster that goes to #8 fuse, sometimes going bad. The wire is good and I cannot get it to show an open or ground. Even with the cluster totally out of the van, these two fuses blow.
I am scratching my head here... I did see a connection between the two fuses. I have to figure out where the #16 fuse wire goes to.

Any ideas on this would be appreciated.