W116 300SD Keeps burning fuse #4 on start up

[maurigiann]

I have a 1980 300SD w116 that has all of a sudden started burning out fuse #4 the moment I start the car. Unfortunately for me this fuse is connected to several critical components in the car that are as follows: Glove compartment light, Stop Lamp, Turn-signal Lamps, Back-up lights, Instrument cluster (automatic transmission) (tachometer) leveling system indicator lamp (cruise control) overload protection device switching unit, seat belt warning unit, driver belt sw........The day before this happend I changed the engine V belts and fixed an exhaust leak at the flex pipe down the turbo, next day drove to work everything was fine but when I started the car again all hell broke loose.... I read a post here on the forum some time ago about another W116 300sd having the same issue of burning fuse #4 when the car is started but the author never posted back if he was able to fix it, so it makes me think this might be a common issue on the w116 300sd. If anyome could point me in the right direction of where to even start diagnosing this problem I'll be eternally in your debt! This is my daily driver and I feel a little anxious driving around with no brake lights, turn signals, fuel and temperature readings! Scary!