Fuse No 12 (8A according to cover) fails immediately when turning the ignition. What seems to be connected to this fuse is the rear demist, seatbelt warning light, back up lamps and the courtesy light in the center console for the rear.

Can someone recommend a good place to start with identifying the problem?

The bulb failure light is lit, I assume due to the back up lamps, all other lights are working.

Kirk --

If it's a wagon, I'd carefully check the wiring harnesses going through the tailgate hinges.

One approach to isolate it to a specific circuit is to selectively remove each tab connector at the fuse. Once you remove the offending circuit, the fuse will no longer blow. You can infer which this is by reconnecting the others and determining what works (and therefore which circuit remains dead).

Is the bulb-out indicator always on, or only when you select reverse?

Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)