1st Gen Dome Light Fuse Blowing

I'm pretty sure I've ready every thread out there on dome lights now But I still can't track down my issue. When I bought the truck the dome light fuse was out I replaced it and sometimes it will blow instantly and sometimes it would last an hour or two. I unhooked the dome light, map light and the two side door lights to isolate the issue and the fuse would still blow. Unhooked the center dash and all of the controls and it still blows the fuse.

The stereo is direct wired; probably because of the fuse blowing problem.

The previous owner had installed a brake controller and wired it straight off the fuse box, then pulled it before selling it. I'm wondering if maybe that has something to do with it. Could the fuse box itself be the problem? Anything else I should check? All the other fuse are fine and everything else electronic works fine.

I have a multi meter and am not afraid to pull things apart, but I don't even know where to begin tracking down the short.

Thanks for the advice!

 

Here's a link to my Google Drive for a copy of the 00-03 FSM. Wiring diagrams are in the end of the file.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8Cqavp2HxeVeUd3VjRvZTRjRXM

 

Thanks!

 

I know this may sound like I am reaching here.. but the Tacoma's and Tundras do have some things in common so..
Years back I had the stereo out on my 99 Tacoma. I think I was adding in a Sirius adapter or I was toying with my power mirror upgrade. IDK. But, something grounded out from the stereo to the brackets which are grounded to the body and it popped my dome light fuse. I can't remember if the fuse on the back of the head unit also blew.
I would recommend checking the wiring from the stereo (especially since you mentioned it's been modified). Make sure none of those wires in the harness behind the dash are exposed or accidentally grounding out.

In my case the blown dome light caused my truck not to start presumably because it triggered a fail safe in my Viper alarm. I recall being fairly distressed that my truck wouldn't start.
Once I replaced the fuse I was back in business.

 

Good idea, thanks!