'98 XJ blowing fuse for instrument panel illumination

Out of no where yesterday the Jeep blew the fuse for the instrument panel/heater control illumination. If I turn the dimmer all the way to the right it will not blow the fuse but as soon as I turn it to the left so that the lights will illuminate the fuse blows. I had the instrument cluster disconnected so I don't think that's the problem. I also changed the headlight switch and that didn't work. I ran a wire around the wire that goes from the fuse to the switch so I don't think that's the problem. I figure there's a short somewhere between the fuse and the instrument cluster or in the heater control lighting.
Am I missing something? I don't have a FSM but do have a Hayne's manual. I know I need to disconnect the heater control illumination which will be easy. Any other things I should look at?

mine always seems to blow when the purple wire to the fog lamp swich come disconnected! got me but its worth a shot!

Appreciate the idea but mine doesn't have fog lights.