97 Escort Wagon; Hd Light / Turn sig switch

[quigleydownunder]

Recently while opperating the car the dash lights went out, found that all running light are out. So I replaced the 15a fuse with a new one; when I turned on the lights popped the fuse again.
So like a fool, I put in a 20a, lights all worked fine.
Then while driving went out again this time with a smell.
now if I put in a heavy fuse no lights; the dome lights really dims. So I am thinking a direct short!
I have inspected all known bulbs and thier wires.
I unable to spot any real problem, a friend sugested it may be in the steering coloum, or the light switch.

Looking for experienced trouble shooters !!

I have pulled the switch out and it seams OK, although a new one is
........$500..... yep I called 4 dealers and that little multi switch on the Coloum is $500 bones.

So now the switch is removed, I can put back the fuse and I can find the power wire and the ground wire. The chilton book is way off on the wiring colors. So I am looking for sugestions.

[quigleydownunder]

O.K. I have made some progress, I have totally dismantled the Dash.
Quite a bit easier than I thought it would be. I think I found which bundle is the power from the fuse to the switch; using my Multi meter.
Unfortunately I can't seam to determine if my" multi switch/Turn sig"
which is on the coloum, is the problem or the "relay Under the hood"
I am sure I have a dead short although I don't see any melted wires or jumped connectors I took a real good look at the instrument cluster and all looks fine. All the wires leading to the switch on the coloum look good.
Has any one had this problem before?
Any Sugestions on how to trouble shoot this out?

[kenny86_2004]

I had a problem like this but I fused the lights on. The switch in the collum and under the hood relay were both replaced for about $400. And now everything works great

[quigleydownunder]

Originally Posted by kenny86_2004

I had a problem like this but I fused the lights on. The switch in the collum and under the hood relay were both replaced for about $400. And now everything works great

.
Thanks for the reply;
Ok, so where did you get the parts? Because just one was quoted as $500.00, Is there a testing method so I can isolate which is the problem part. I don't want to fry the part to find out it was the other one.

[kenny86_2004]

I took my car to a shop so i dont know were they got the parts. sry man