Electrical, meter fuse keeps blowing

Have a 95 escort that keeps on blowing " meter " fuses. Problem first started out as fuse blows and I would change it and all would be fine for days and days then pop it blew again. Now as soon as I change it it pops. I loose turn signals when fuse goes and it seems like car is using more gas and runnng funny. Also, doesn''t seem to automatically shift right.
It seem like a wire shorting out.
Any suggestions ??? I am about to pull what little hair I have left out of my head !!!
 
Any help / comments would be greatly appreciated  !!!!!!