Something very strange going on with my gauge pod/electrical. Need help.

[_97tsiawd_]

Ok, here it is. Car is a 92 Tsi, that had been sitting for just over a year. Just finished dropping in a fresh build (not my first). I touched nothing electrical other than the basic disconnect/reconnect everything. As far as I can tell all the wiring looks good, there are no blown fuses. The ALT and battery are both fairly new and came out of a running car (my other talon). Here is the problem, when I went to put the key in to turn it to the "on" position, not start it, but just to the on position. The first thing I notice is my temp gauge rocket up and max out and that my Apexi AFC II does not power on. Next thing I notice as I start checking around is that my dimmer knob isn't working. I also notice that my hazards aren't working, they come on, just don't flash. The dome lights also don't turn on. The head/tail lights work fine as well as the dash lights themselves, they come on (just no dimming). All of this was in perfect working order before.
I just need to get this stuff figured out before I start her up. This is baffling me.
Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated![DOUBLEPOST=1412186100][/DOUBLEPOST]Also the cruise control light is on when the key is in the "on". This is not normal, I don't even have cruise control. And the CEL is on as it's supposed to be, but very dimly lit. The rest of the dummy lights are nice and bright.

 

[brads]

Have you gone back over all of the grounds that you disconnected during the build/install? Make sure you have a good connection at each, no paint in the way.

First thing to check though would be the simplest. Make sure your batteries terminals are on tight.