Instrument cluster gauges suddenly stopped working?

The dash instruments and all warning lights went out, but all the fuses seem OK. This includes the spedometer, odometer (LED), fuel, tach, charge, idiot lights. But not the dash illuminating light, or the dash light that comes on when you turn on the headlights. I cant seem to pin down the problem, and before ordering lots of stuff (Like BCM) I would really like to see if I can definitively narrow it down. All other electrical things seem to work, but the right blinker blinks fast even though the both front and rear bulbs are OK. All other things in the car seem fine; even the lighter, internal lights, radio, fan, etc. It JUST seems to be the dash. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!

Thanks Joe,

Having someone else check the BCM will cost more than just getting a new one on Ebay. So, would that be the way to go? I could figure out how to change it out myself.

How would one check it to see if it were still good without taking it to the dealer. There does not seem to be a cheaper alternative; but I am sure that Im missing some important piece of information. Thanks.

The instrument cluster does not work, the fuel, water temp, nothing I have checked the cluster fuses and they are okay. Any suggestions?

I dont suppose that you know where exactly this thing is? From what I can gather, it is behind the fuse box on the driver side kick panel, and also goes by the name CTM (central timing module) and possibly ECM (but Im not too sure about this one).

Intermittantly (happened twice so far) once during the day, and once at night. The Check Gauges light came on and I got the chime warning, and I noticed the battery gauge needle had gone up to 18, all the way over to the right. When I stopped the truck and turned off the engine and restarted, it went away. Second time it happened was at night and I noticed that the interior lights, gauge lights and headlights were all slightly flickery. Driving was not affected either time it happened. Any ideas what could cause this?
Thanks !

What do I look for when the check gauges light comes on the voltage gauge goes minus and is not in the middle, truck is still running

Electrical problem
1999 Dodge Dakota 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a 99 Dakota 2x4 that was running fine, until it was hit in the drivers fender. All the wiring looks good, and nothing other than the fender and bumper look to be dammaged.
The problem is when the ignition key is inserted the light indicators illuminate on the dash, which is normal, but after the vehicle starts they stay on. The analog gauges dont appear to work ( batt, fuel, temp. Etc) they are all off to the left. Any clue as to where to start troubleshooting? Would this show up w/ a code scanner? Thanx in advance. Mike

K. I do remember a ground not connected now that you mention it. Maybe thats it. I'll keep you posted. Any way to find a under hood photo of this truck? There are some things not connected. Ie this small canister that looks to have connections on it for hoses. Kinda looks like the old oil bath air cleaners, in shape, but smaller and of course plastic.

Well. Maybe. The damage was to the driver side so I'm more inclined to think it came from that side. I'd like to have under hood pic of this truck, so I can put things back where they belong. Thanx again. And I'll be back.