Slow down. No need to waste time and money. A code reader isn't going to help with this. On '95 and older models all that's monitored is engine-related stuff. You need a full scanner to look for diagnostic fault codes in Air Bag, Anti-lock Brake, and Body Computers. If a power wire feeding a computer is shorted, it will blow that fuse, then that computer won't even turn on or communicate with a scanner. All the other wires don't carry enough current to cause smoke.
If you have an aftermarket radio, check if someone spliced a bunch of wires behind it and wrapped them with electrical tape. Tape should never be used in a car because it will unravel into a gooey mess on a hot day.
Don't just randomly replace all the fuses. Just check those that are for the radio or anything else that's not working now. If the fuses aren't labeled, they have two small holes on top to stick a test light probe to quickly test them without having to remove them. There will be two radio fuses. One is for the switched power from the ignition switch and one is for the station preset and clock memory. That one is always tied in with some other system that's always live like the interior lights, cigarette lighter, or horn.
Sunday, February 23rd, 2014 AT 3:12 AM