Gem maybe?

[zookiebird]

I just got a 98 expedition that was having electrical issues did some research learned of the leak problem so went through the steps..doesn't look to be any water damage in the fuse box and gem module so I plugged everything back up and replaced some blown fuses and missing fuses now fuse #8, #15 were blown but I replaced them and haven't had them blow again...yet now the problem I have ran across is that whwn the fuse#2 which is to the instrument cluster is put in and the key is turned over I heard a sizzling then smoke from behind the dash and the cluster does nothing now so I removed that fuse my next problem is the truck will turn over until I have fuse #15 in it will not do anything at all very confusing being I don't deal with electrical systems that much

 

[stamp11127]

Welcome to the site.
The instrument cluster is tied to the pcm and needs to be operational. You need to fix the electrical issue with the cluster in order to proceed. I would suggest locating the area that has burned.
How are you at reading wiring diagrams?

 

[zookiebird]

I have zero experience with electrical systems this a whole new ballfield for me but I'm pretty quick on picking stuff up but I'll take out the instrument cluster and see if I can source the burning problem and go from there appreciate it everybody in my area that tinker with vehicles keeps telling me security but supposedly it was running fine with the security wires cut the alarm started going off while they was driving it along with the lights flickering and locks working on there own and the problem about sometimes the doo has to be open in order for it to start lol seems like it's sounding more trouble then it's worth but for 800 I couldn't pass it up

 

[zookiebird]

I found the burnt piece traced it back its the central plugin in the back of the cluster the piece it plugs into that runs into the cluster is burnt in half and it looks as if it runs to the wire that runs from the fuse box#2 I'm guessing it may be a ground issue that caused it to short out

 

[stamp11127]

Post a pic if you are able too.