Check engine light flipped on so I was on my way to AutoZone to check it and I popped #1 fuse or 16 in manual. Lost all dash gauges and lights and the brakelight and after parked wouldn't shift out without key entry. Now the weird part is when I replaced fuse it started smoking from the engine even with the car off so there's wires burning somewhere. I replaced the tss since that's the code it brought up and it was reading higher resistance.
anyone know what wire cluster/switch it is that's burning/a diagram? My electrician buddy said he needs to know more on integrated circuit g1

The missing fuse in the photo is the one that starts the smoking when replaced.

 

For a 97 LX with automatic transmission, under-dash Fuse No. 1 protects the following components:

• Integrated Control Unit (this is attached on the under-dash fuse/relay box)

Yellow wires for the following:

• A/T Gear Position Switch - (part of wiring harness inside of cabin)
• Shift Lock Solenoid (part of wiring harness inside of cabin)
• Clock - (part of wiring harness inside of cabin)
• Gauge Assembly - (part of wiring harness inside of cabin)
• VSS - (in engine compartment, part of engine wire harness)

There may be a short in the wiring. The wiring for the VSS should be focused on first due to what you're describing.

If the brake lights are out, you'll want to check under-hood Fuse No. 30 (20A) and the wiring related to that too.