I never followed up in the thread, mostly because of my Sevenstock trip prep. I never found out the cause of the newer starter not working, perhaps a short due to the significant moisture, I don't know. Re-installed the starter I had sent to Mazmart (that they tested fine), and everything worked perfectly, and continued to over the past 6 months.



TRex8:
The clicking and weird gauges was identified as a battery connection issue, some current was able to get through, but not enough, and it would 'pulse' through the connection causing all of that. Yes, noises were all over the place and the cycling current was cycling basically every electronic switch in the car. Ensure your electrical connections are completely solid, and not just wiggle them. Remove them, clean, and reconnect and anchor. Battery terminals and starter specifically.

 

Either the battery needs a charge or you have a loose electrical connection connection. This connection would most likely be at the battery terminal. I could also be at the starter itself.