While driving, the ABS light went on, then all of the guages wnet off followed by the lights, etc...but I was still able to drive. when I shut the engine and tried to restart, it wouldn't, but I could play the radio with the lights on.

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ford 500

gmc envoy i had done the same wound up replacing all four wheel brake pads and light stayed off

You definately sound as though you have an electrical short. I would have a mechanic do an electrical test.

Wiring problem under the dash. Could be a ground issue as you said. You need to get under the dash and check the grounds.

Hi, have you used your vehicle off road, the ABS sensors behind each wheel do not function correctly if covered in mud etc - power wash behind each wheel to get rid of dirt etc, good luck.

long shot when message says guages and the vehicle shuts down it may be going into protection mode i would check fluids on the four wheel drive units like isaid longshot hope this helps

yes it's most likely a alternator problem,usually the internal diode bridge breaks causing all lights you mentioned to come on,if this happens at a idle open the hood and remove green connector on alt.if lights go out you've found the problem

mabey a loose wires behind the cluster.

The red brake light is the key here. That usually indicateds a hydraulic problem. Check you fluid level in master cylinder and see if it is low. Also the level indicator sensor there in the master cylinder maybe sticking or corrioded. If ABS sees the red brake light it will shut off and turn on the ABS light,also traction control would be disabled as well.

have alternator checked ...also  be  sure  battery  cables at battery are secure..especially the  ground  side ....good luck