1986 Ford Tempo LX Blowing Fuse/s HELP!!!

[Mayflower]

We just bought this car and everything seemed to be working fine. The fuse to the tail lights, parking lights, licences plates light, headlight on buzzer and chimes keeps blowing out. It's the number 4 fuse. Also dash lights and shifter light aren't working either. Might be number 13 fuse? We need these working, as it's dangerous on the road without them. The brake lights work and the backup ones do too. The turn signals had stopped working too. We replaced the silver canister and they seem to be working again. Can you help us or let us know what may be happening here? Thanks so much.

[UnexplodedCow]

I'd check your light switch first. I had one that blew my fuses, so I replaced it and all was good. Also check your ignition switch. Not the lock cylinder, but the switch on the column. They tend to wear out, and I had problems in my old tempo. My turn signals wouldn't work, and sometimes the radio cut out until I replaced the switch.

[mustangmike351c]

see if there is a penny or something in your cigaret lighter if not you have a short to ground. you can check this by taking the tail light out, use a dmm and see if there is continuity from the positive to the body ground

[UnexplodedCow]

If there was a penny in the cigarette lighter, the horn would not work. They're on the same circuit.