The instrument panel went out (dark) and was accompanied by a burnerd smell, if this is a blown fuse, how do I tell which ones are blown?

The video should help you

If you are talking about the instrument panel and radio lights, one possibility is a broken panel light dimmer rheostat (This is not the same as the headlight dimmer switch). Try turning it to full brightness. If at some point the lights suddenly come on, that's definitely your problem. If the lights don't come on, it could still be broken.

I have seen an older vehicle driven by a person who didn't notice the instrument panel lamps were burning out until the last one went - maybe all you have to do is replace all of the bulbs. :)

Also, check the instrument panel fuse. If it's blown, you'll have to track down the wiring problem that caused the fuse to blow. Merely replacing the fuse is just asking for the problem to happen again at the worst possible moment - such as on a dark road on a dark night where there is a known speed trap, when you're low on fuel, and suddenly you're unable to see either the speedometer or the fuel gauge.

Fuse number 20 in the passenger kick panel fuse box.The ORG/BLU wire goes directly to the instrument cluster.

Whatever the fuse is connected to is Hooked up wrong and it is creating a short which blows the fuse! Good luck

look for a illum fuse not dimmer. im sure it is a blown fuse or the switch is broken. the dimmer can go.

If they all went dark at one time, it is not likely a bulb issue per se. I would check to see if there is a fuse that governs the instrument panel lights and, if so, check to see if it is in good shape. The problem that you are experiencing may very well just be as simple as a fuse... of course, it may not be; but starting with checking something simple is usually the best place to start. All the best to you with this...

The fuse is in the Instrument Panel fuse box

Instrument Panel Fuse Block

The instrument panel fuse block access door is

located on the driver's side edge of the instrument
panel
The fuse is marked
"AUX PWR" That is the 2nd fuse from the top in the far left row of fuses, the fuse above it is marked "REAR SEAT".

Sounds like a fuse or the instrument panel is dead. Either or. Check the fuses, then if their all good, then it's the instrument panel (as it is one whole piece). Before buying another panel, also check that it's all plugged in correctly in the back (as it could have been replaced (if it's used or if your not the first owner) and the previous owner could have put it in and not pushed the plug(s) in all the way.

Checked Every fuse in the fuse box (no small task).This includes #4 - Power point Instrument Panel, #14 - Day time running lamps (auto lamps doesn't work nor does auto lock), #27 - ignition switch run feed, #35 - Instrument Cluster, #41 - Instrument Cluster, #42 - Delayed Accessory, #45 - Ignition switch run/start feed, #102 - Door locks body security module, #103 - Ignition switch, #110 - Ignition switch, & #116 - Ignition switch. But I also check all other ones as well, they all register OK. AC panel & radio work. Turn signals work. Mileage does not work, trip computer does. So, basically, everything works except auto head-lights, auto locks, and the dash cluster (no MPH, RPM, mileage display, Fuel, Temp, Tran Temp, and Oil Pressure).

I am currently working on my 92 Deville with the same problem. I was driving along, and smelled what I felt was a smoking printed circuit board. I looked down, and the digital fuel data center and climate control panel were dark.

I have the factory shop manual, and with the aid of a meter and the manual, I traced the problem to a bad BCM. The 16v supply coming from the BCM was gone. Opened up the BCM and found an overheated transistor. I also removed the fuel data center and the Climate control panel. The fuel data center panel did not smell good. I found a shorted capacitor on the Fuel data center circuit board. I am replacing the capacitor, and will be picking up a used BCM at the boneyard tomorrow. I might also have an overheated wire in a cable that might have to be replaced. I have not gotten that far in the troubleshooting yet.

Good luck with your problem.......