Dash Lights and Gauges blowing fuse?
 

Just brought a secondhand 2003 Mazda MPV after a week the dash lights and gauges stopped going. Found the fuse replaced it all good for three weeks then blew again, now every time I replace the fuse it blows instantly the moment I turn on Ignition. Also when driving with the fuse blown the indicators don't work. Tail lights, Hazards all work. Got me stumped..

Have you touched any wiring or fitted any accessories lately? Has the stereo been touched?

No i havent touched anything it has an after market stereo fitted, that works fine. i notice that the transmission selector lockes in park if the fuse is blown. the distance travelled between the time the first fuse blew and now was about 600kilometers

Which exact fuse is blowing?

A 15amp fuse titled Meter in the fuse box in the passengers foot well. its a right hand drive new zealand vehicle.

Solved I think??
 

Just to complicate this issue further, I disconnected the battery for a couple of hours, reconnected it, replaced the fuse and bingo dash lights and gauges working again, transmission lever not locking in park. With no blowing of fuse. Now wondering if this is an issue connected to the computer? or some sensor shorting? Got me stumped.

I have the same issue on a 2004 Mazda MPV 15 AMP meter fuse blows. When the fuse blows the transmission is also stuck in 3rd or overdrive and will not downshift. No dash, fuel, signals or tach. Replacing the fuse I did hear a clicking like a relay. I'm stumped.