Electricalal System Iformation Wanted for;

1988 Ford
Ranger STX
2.9 liter V6 engine
standerd w/gears 1-2-3-4-D(aka "overdrive" or 5)-& R also has a 2nd shifter with N-2H-2L-4L
the Hubs must be locked or turned manually by hand on the tires
fuel injected

The problem concerning me is......

The other day when I started the it and all of a sudden the dash panel lights (e brake, check engine light, oil, ect.... ) stayed on as well the gauges went like the fuel gauge went all the way to full then all the way to empty so I turned it off then after restarting it acted normal

Has anybody ever experienced this before?
Or would anybody know what the possible reason that something like this maight happen?

thank you for reading and I appreciate any relivent information the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & how it works...... I would be very appreciative