For those with the crazy gauges and dim lights check the altenator my 98 did this and that was the problem

 

Hello, I own a 2004 Explorer. My owners manual pages 233 & 234for battery states that when a new battery is installed the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy, the clock and preset radio stations must be reset.
Maybe this has something to do with some of the issues you are experiencing?
Cheers!
GZ