How do I attach the shift indicator on my 1996 Ford Crown Victoria?

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I noted several good answers to people whose problem was a loose shift indicator, however mine isn't hooked up at all. I bought it that way. Low mileage - 138,000 and the engine runs strong, just the shift indicator is not attached plus several gauges do not appear to register (temperature gauge most critically- although the car isn't using water and is not overheating.) What am I looking for when laying out this job ? (I do have the Chilton manual) Where should I start looking to diagnose my dashboard gauge problem?