i searched around but found nothing.

my cigarette lighter hasn’t been working in my 98 impreza outback, so i pulled off the panel to make sure that it was hooked up. All of the sudden the gauge lights( i had the headlights on), and brake lights started flashing and won’t stop flashing even with the car off. hen i the turn the head lights off a clicking ( relay?) can be heard behind the gauges.

i disconnected the battery to see if that would solve the problem but all it did was make my clock stop not display anything.

any ideas on what is going on will be much appreciated.

Off hand it sounds like you activated the alarm system. Try using your keyfob to open the doors and see if the flashing stops.

On your 98 there should be a button underneath the dash. Press that button with the key in the "run" position, that should reset the alarm/keyless system. You apparently put it in panic mode somehow.

yes that is what it was i searched google a little just after i posted.