2006 Explorer wont start after disconnecting instrument cluster

I was trying to get to the back of the dashboard to fix a faulty vacuum valve of the A/C. To gain access I had to remove the instrument cluster which has one connector on the back. I did not disconnect the battery first (now I regret that!). Upon reconnecting the instrument cluster, I inserted the ignition key and the instrument lights came on intermittently and then went off. Now they won't even flicker, all that happens when I insert the key is a ticking sound like a clock, with variable frequency. I disconnected the battery but the symptom is the same. I had the SUV parked in the middle of the street and the transmission will not get out of Park. I cannot even put it in the driveway, please help.