smoke from dash.......

I have no gauge lights in my 1997......When I put the fuse in the panel, it blows right away. If it doesnt blow right away, smoke begins coming out of the vents.
I have searched the board, and cant find anyone with the same problem- I dont get stalling, or sudden cutting out while driving.
Anyone have any ideas on what to check? This could be a bad ignition switch, right? I know its very common, but I dont want to just assume thats what it is before looking at other possibilities.

It's obviously a short of some sort or a electric motor burning up. Either way - not good.

1997 = ignition switch is shorted out.

There is an hot-to in the FAQ section here.

1997 = ignition switch is shorted out.

There is an hot-to in the FAQ section here.

Is there a way to definitely know thats what it is?
I know it will go at some point, but I dont have the $100 to drop on something that might not be the problem right now.
I just want to make sure there is nothing else I can check before I do it.

Thanks for the suggestions.

You go from the obvious and eliminate it before moving on.

You have the year with the ignition switch failure. They short out and smoke and could cause other problems if you don't fix it.

You go from the obvious and eliminate it before moving on.

You have the year with the ignition switch failure. They short out and smoke and could cause other problems if you don't fix it.

Would a smell be associated with the ignition switch?

Yes, when it shorts out it smokes.