I don't see where he mentions a year so I'll assume 85-89.

The fuse for the dash lights is after the headlight switch, before the
wires fan out to various spots. The headlight switch can't blow that
fuse, it has to be something after the fuse. Yes, probably a
pinched/damaged wire.

Mark

Chuck Theobald wrote:
> Hi David,
>
> Blown fuses indicate a path to ground that bypasses the expected load.
> The equation is voltage = current * resistance. Given a constant
> voltage, 12 volts, the resistance of the load (headlights, horn, etc.)
> limits the current. If the resistance decreases, say a wire with
> worn/failed insulation contacting the body, current will exceed the fuse
> capacity (8 or 16 amps) and blow the fuse, preventing your wires from
> catching on fire.
>
> The upshot is you are probably looking for such a failed wire.
>
> What triggers the blown fuse? Does it happen randomly, or can you
> reproduce it reliably?
>
> Chuck
>
>
> On 3/28/18 5:41 PM, vw_van_fan_Mark wrote:
>> Those dimmer light wires also go to other places in the dash and one of
>> those other places may be where a short circuit exists. There is a wire
>> to the backlight for the dash vent control levers, a light for the cig
>> socket, and also it feeds the factory wiring for the radio.
>>
>> Mark
>>