Fuse keeps blowing for rear defroster, turn signals, backup lights, etc., and airbag light stays on

Sorry for the delay. More then likely you have two issues. So let's check the codes and see what the ABS light is on for and we can probably get a new post started for that issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTtAnsOlZU4

As for the fuse that keeps blowing can you tell us what fuse it is that keeps popping? I show the back up lamps and tail lamps run through separate fuses so we need to make sure we are looking at the same fuse.

The way to figure this out is to remove the items that are on this fuse one at a time until the fuse stops blowing or remove everything and install them one at a time until it starts blowing again. The fact that you smelled wiring could be a short that is touching a piece of metal so let's start with the exact fuse you are replacing and we can go from there. Thanks

Thanks for the reply. It's the 15 amp in cavity 1 on fuse panel. Used OBD1, and no codes thrown. The tail lamps haven't been a problem, just reverse lights. As you suggested, going to remove each component and see if it's the problem. Keep you posted.

Sounds great. Just in case you don't have it, here is a list of items on this fuse. For what it is worth, I unhook them one at a time starting with the easiest to get to and go from there. I just get a fist full of fuses and replace them until I unhook the item that causes it to stop.

Others don't like this as they don't like popping that many fuses but I figure, why go to all the work of accessing and removing everything if it is the first one that you unhook. It is easier to replace that fuse 9 times then access and unhook everything. The only time this way was the wrong way is when it is the last component that you unhook but that rarely happens.