Renault Clio 2 .. POD problem?

[dannyboy011089]

since recently my clio has started to show a fault in the pod when starting the car in cold temperatures (ie: after a cold night)
once the key is turned to the ignition stage the dials will light on the dashboard and both fuel gauge and engine temp will show a level of measurment. After less than a second the dials will fall to zero and the clock will reset itself. This will happen several times, and seems to go away once the engine gains some temperature.
This does not affect the lights or the sterio etc and the handbrake light will remain on the dashboard as normal when the handbrake is engaged and then go out once it is released.
Im torn between whether it is a problem with the pod itself .. spark plugs .. bad earth .. battery connection .. and the list goes on
i would be very appreciated if someone could shed some light onto this
thanks