[obsolete]

Well I'm not sure if that was part of the problem or just coincidence. That worked until I touched the guage. I've noticed that if I disconnect the rj connector from the back of the guage and hold it in very gently that it will work. None of the pins are bent or out of place. And the odd thing is, it works the same if I plug the guage in and gently hold/wiggle the connector on the controller box.

I am confuse. Oh well, I'll make up a new RJ connector with mirrored wiring. If you have any other suggestions, fire away. I won't be back to my car's current resting place until I have my rad repaired though :P

thanks!