The P1709 error was due to the vehicle being a manual not automatic and did not return after the error codes were reset. At least that's what I was told.

I have not tried disconnecting the battery will try that tomorrow at work. Beats doing real work I guess

The problem is strange. The weather was warmer today and the car started to work okay. The Speedo and tachometer came back to life and everything was good for a while.

The only other thing I forgot was that when the Speedo cut out if I went over about 40mph the digital tachometer turned to a series of lines like this ----- ----- and the traction control light comes on and stays on.

Thanks for your reply