Gauges not working!

[wsuxjer]

I've got some problems with my fuel gauge, engine temp, and oil pressure gauges not working right. I pulled off the dash because I was having problems with a short and I noticed right behind the engine temp gauge, there was something sticking out there. I can't explain what it is, exept it was about 1.5" long, wrapped in paper, with two terminals that plugged into the backside of the dash. When I plugged it back in, all the gauges started moving up (even though the engine was off) when I unplugged it, the all went down again. Now they don't work properly and I can't figure out why. Anybody have any ideas? TIA

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77 J-10, 401, TH400, D20, D44's front and rear
85 XJ, 7" lift, 35" boggers, topless, full cage, etc.

[MonsterMash]

Can you flip the plug (ie put the other male connector into the other female) or is this plug rigid? What kind of "paper" was it wrapped in? Could a previous owner have wrapped it to prevent the connection and try to hide a short?

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" I'm not going to make policy based on guilt."
--Gov. George "Dubya" Bush

"The internal combustion engine is the single greatest threat to life on this planet."
--Vice Pres. Al Gore
(I guess he walks to work?)

'84GW360--"Spinner"
Sir Gary Boyd's Ford truck ignition upgrade
Electric fuel pump
9.50x30x15 Dirt-Diggers
No emmissions crap (musta' been the previous owner, officer)
Missing interior & exterior pieces
Chipped windshield
Otherwise stock
(soon to be 4v--I'll blame that on the previous owner as well)