I am having problem with my 98SE. Put a new battery in a week ago alternator is changing had been load checked during routine service, but suddenly died battery was dead and wouldn't take a trickle charge. Now a couple of days later the speedodies by the tach fuel and temp gauges are pinned.

Answer by  doc325 (454)

This often happens with voltage spikes. Try just unhooking the battery and touching the cables together and reconnect. If this dosnt work you may need a new cluster.

Answer by  JohnHolmes (2660)

Most likely there is a short somewhere in your electrical system. It is hard to find a short if you do not know where to look, think about recent repairs or modifications you made, and maybe that is where your electrical short is.

Answer by  harshielha (144)

This may be due to voltage spikes.First try to unhook the battery and then touch the two cables together and reconnect.If this doesn't work you can also get a jump start to start up or a cluster.

Answer by  JD17 (424)

Could be a few things. The alternator could be over charging or for the wrong year. Also have the wiring harness checked for shorts.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

It sounds like you have a serious electrical problem. It could be a short causing the flat battery and messing with the gauges. Take it to a mechanic or check all your wiring your self.

Answer by  vin (13)

Make sure your ground cable is tight and non-corroded. A ground can make a short and steal electricity from the battery giving you some of the problems you may be occuring

Answer by  aj20 (29)

Use another battery or get a jump start to get the engine going. Disconnect and then check to see if the alternator is still outputting. The alternative is the battery.