Hi Tim,
I just had almost this identical problem with my wife's 2000 SE coupe. I saw
lots of corrosion on the negative terminal of the battery and thought it
might be a problem so I cleaned it, also thinking it might reset the ECU.
The wires are in pretty poor shape. Is there a common issue that causes
this?
Also, there was a major clicking coming from the fuse panel, even after the
battery was disconnected. It turns out it was one of the relays, so I
removed it and bought a replacement from Discount. When I installed the new
one, the clicking started again immediately. Any idea what might be causing
this?
TIA

Dave.

This dash behaviour is the ECU cold booting into the DTC mode. Unless you
are pressing and holding the odo-reset button as you turn to position II on
the key, the only reason for this is to occur is a poor power connection
from the battery (or earth) when the system is put under high load by the
starter-motor.

I would suggest you first check the actual battery connections are clean and
tight, and then prise the lid off the engine bay fuse box and check the
maxi-fuses are tight and intact, and that the battery cable is secure under
the nut.

Also check the battery earth to body work connections.

Tim..

i looked through a number of sites but have not found this problem listed

when the engine is cold: on start up the dashboard dials (rev counter,
speedometer, petrol gauge) the indicators move completely around to the
maximum setting and then back to the normal minimum setting. also the
warning dashboard lights flash. the door locks operate and the warning
alarm beeps in the car. sometimes i can hear what sounds like the starter
motor turning but not engaging the engine.

the end result is the car will not start
after a number of attempts sat 10 to 15 the car suddenly starts
when the engine has warmed up the starting is as normal
any ideas the garage think it may need a new battery!!