my 99 miata's dashboard, backlight, and side lights are not working when i turn them on. i found that one of the side light bulb was burned so i replaced them, but still the they don't light up and everytime i turn the lights on the fuse keeps getting burn... i don't know what the problem is... could it be the relay? could anyone help me?

 

follow the wires, you have a short. look for exposed wires touching metal.

 

A common problem is due to a new raidio install. There is a black wire that goes to the radio that checks to be a ground when in fact it is hot when the lights are turned on. This dims the radio face lights on a factory radio. An installer can mistake this wire for a ground and when you turn the lights on it fries the dimmer switch. If thats not it then its a matter of chasing the short. Most likely its the interior light dimmer switch though.

 

Easiest way to trace a short: Get a 3 amp Circuit breaker w/ prongs to fit the fuseholder, from the auto parts store. Replace the fuse that keeps blowing with it. It will click on and off lile a turn signal blinker unit. Then using an el cheapo magnetic compass, trace the circuit downstream of the fuse. The needle will continue to twitch until you come to the place where the circuit is shorted. When the needle settles down you're within 2 or 3 inched of the short.
Good luck.