Volvo: Electrical, rear defroster, dashboard lights

Question
I have a 1985 Volvo 240DL wagon.  I have some electrical problems.  I have a fuse that constantly blows.  It's linked to my rear defrost and my reverse lights.  So these two never work.  Then I have a brake light that is out.  I've changed the bulb.  When ever I brake the dashboard lights (it looks like a bulb) comes on.  If I turn my lights on the same dashboard light comes on and remains on.  My headlights are fine and so are my tail lights.  What could be the problem?

Answer
Steph,
The dashboard light is the bulb out light trying to tell you a bulb is either not working or in your case not matched to the bulbs opposite it. That means the left taillight might be of a slightly different wattage then the right, or visa versa. That would require gathering all the bulbs and testing them or replacing them so that they are all "like" bulbs.
For the fuse that has blown out you need to trace all circuits on that fuse identify the circuit that blows out the fuse and follow those wires to find if there is a area that has grounded out causing the short. Seperate all circuits on that fuse and one at a time put them back with a new fuse to see what circuit blows the fuse. My guess would be the rear defroster where the wire goes through the hinge left side has broken and now shorted out.