Instrument Cluster Swap Issues

[240srCoupe]

I just recently did a HUD --> Analog cluster swap in my S13 and I have something rather strange going on at the moment, and I'm not sure what it could be exactly. The cluster is for the correct year (91-94 DOHC analog cluster) and I also had the original sub-harness so everything was plug and play in that sense. Now the wiring in the car has also never been touched, ever...my engine harness was done by Yury at Wiring Specialties so I know thats not the issue either as he does an amazing job. Anyway whats going on is as follows:

1) Headlight switch on = no dash lights at all
2) ignition switch in acc position/light switch off = dash lights work
3) ignition switch in acc position/light switch on = no dash lights
4) ignition switch on = dash lights flash on and off in the same fashion the turn signals do with the clock and lights alternating
5) as long as the battery is hooked up, the check engine light is ALWAYS on no matter what position any switches are in (I blame this on the engine being out of the car)

Again all original wiring, nothing has been touched ever...so I'm not sure how to find the culprit, could it be the fact that the engine and all isn't in the car yet so there is a good bit of junk that isn't hooked up right now such as engine grounds and what not?? Battery has been correctly relocated to the trunk, all connections are correct...not sure what the deal is.