Running down a short-blown fuse (A)-and basic electrical tutorial

[spiderman1]

For staters I am learning a lot as I proceed with my restore. The place I feel most incompetent is in the electrical department.... so bear with me-any basic advice and understanding of electricity would be greatly appreciated. Here is what I do know and what I have done so far.
1-I do have the wiring diagram pulled out- although it somewhat confuses me.
2-I have read about cleaning grounds and circuit boards.

My Issue
Fuse A that runs turn signals hazards and most things on the dash blows immediately when I replace the fuse and start the car again.Does that sound like an exposed wire or something not connected? console(upper and lower ) were out of the car when I bought it and I am almost ready to re-install since interior is almost finished.
Since the hazards etc are not hooked up, could this be causing the fuse to blow?
What is the best way to run down a short like that-what else might be causing it?
Thanks for the help

[spider2081]

For a 1982 Spider Fuse A is closest to the steering column and has voltage on it in the "start and run" positions of the ignition switch. There is no voltage going to the fuse when the ignition switch is in the "off" position. The wire diagram I have shows 2 wires on the bottom or "fused" side of the fuse. The blue/White powers mostly warning indicators, back-up lights and the hazard lights. The white wire powers the gauges and stop lights. I would remove the blue/white wire from the fuse and put a good one in and see if it still blows.
A common cause of Fuse A to blow is a broken wire from Fuse A shorting to ground at the back up light switch on the back of the transmission.

[spiderman1]

Thanks I will give it a try-right after I get the coolant system burped-I have tried everything after putting new timing belt and water pump on-I have read every thread and tried everything except a new radiator cap-still the thermostat won't come on to kick on the fan.
Wish me luck

[spider2081]

Best of luck with both issues.

[TimpanogosSlim]

In general, the recommended way to track down a short that is immediately blowing fuses is to replace the fuse with a light bulb.

If you can find a 25mm festoon bulb it will pop right into the fuse block but they are sorta hard to find. You should be able to get a couple alligator clips, a socket for a pinch base bulb with wire leads, and a matching 194 or similar bulb at an auto parts store, and that will clip to both sides of the fuse holder.

When the light goes out you fixed the problem.

[klweimer]

Spiderman1,
I have a scanned copy of the factory electrical troubleshooting guide. Maybe you already have it? If not, shoot me a PM.
Kirk

[spiderman1]

Thanks for helping with the blown fuse problem. I continue to try the different suggestion but no luck yet. I did find something I need your expertise on. My right front "marker or parking/running" light is missing the pigtail that runs from the engine compartment wiring harness to the light itself. It is the first time I have inspected it when I realizes it was on the other night. Is it possible that is causing the short? I am looking at the wiring diagram to see if it is on the same circuit as the turn signals.

[spiderman1]

Thanks for all the Help! Kirk was especially helpful to a rookie in the electricity department.
The fuse "blower" is the gas gauge. I'll be looking for a new one. I am so grateful for the helpful people on this site. It makes some of the overwhelming things very manageable.
Kirk gets my vote for Fiat electrician of the year!!
DP

[spider2081]

Great to hear you found the problem. Wishing you fun rides with your Spider.