transporter dash fault

[poppycook]

Hi All,
Have a strange fault with a 1998 VW transporter.
Has recently had a new engine fitted.
All ok until 6 months after, it now has a perculiar
fault with the dash
ignition off mileometer on
ignition on mileometer off,no glow plug lamp
or gauges.
customer reports when driving intermitant speedo
and gauges when all is normal a alarm similar to
a reversing beeper sounds.
Also whilst doing some suspension work the battery
went flat(nothing left on)
at a bit of a loss as where to start to look.
Customer has had a lot of subsequent faults after the
engine was fitted which is where i came in to sort things
out,all other faults(non electrical) now sorted.
A good one for all you VW experts!!!!!!
Thanks in advance,
Steve

[Liteace]

Has it not got DLC so you can vag-com it, I know its a 98 but my 96 Golf TDi has DLC, sound like an earth problem

[Liteace]

Transporter (RHD) 96-98 left hand side of steering wheel under flap 98> under steering column