Ford Repair: Crazy dashboard, carpet matting, water leaks

Question
2006 Ford Escape w/92k miles.
Lights on my dash are going crazy; "ABS" light goes on intermittently, "4WD" light also sporadically flashes 3 times.  Now today, ALL dash lights go on, all gauges go dead as if car was turned off... all while car is on and the engine is running fine.
Is the alternator about to crap out?  or...?

Answer
Tom,
Remove the front interior kick panels and see if the carpet matting is wet under the front carpet areas. A water leak intrusion in the 'A' post or roof panel areas can cause a condition such as this by entering into an electronic module. Let me know if you find the floor matting wet.

Thanks,
Drew Young
Rainchaser
Auto-Water-Leaks.com