CVR or something else (gauge issue)

[dodgerammit]

Today, I went out to start my Jeep after getting my hair cut. Had ran several errands around town. Basically getting some seat time while I can before the engine goes under the knife.

Anyhoo, right after starting, the first thing I notice was no oil pressure reading (habit from flying days). I reach to shut the engine down, but then notice the other two gauges are also dead. Okay, the CVR is bad in the water temp.

Then, the gauges begin to work at a much reduced indication.

Had just filled up the day before. Fuel was reading 1/4 tank. Should have been above 3/4.

Water temp was middle of cool spot. Should have went to 1/3 of the way through the green arc.

Oil pressure came up to about 5 psi. Should have been about 20-25.

Drove home. Decided it was a nice day to drive it to work regardless of the issue.

After work, go out to start it. Immediatly hit the headlight switch. Gauges come alive like nothing was wrong.

Hindsight tells me I should have waited to hit the switch to know if that actually changed anything or the problem just decided this was the time to go dormant.

So, is this a CVR possibility? I always thought they just died. Can they do intermittent stuff like this before going out?

Are there other things I should check? I seriously doubt all senders went wonky at the same time. This seems more for par to be a voltage problem.

Thanks!

[will e]

loose ground. It would explain the intermittent nature of the issue.

[dodgerammit]

Fun fun. I love chasing grounds. Guessing start with the gauge cluster and work from there.

[dodgerammit]

Update. I remembered recently replacing the ground leads to the battery. Backed off the bolts, re tightened, made sure nothing wiggled, even a little. Gauges have held solid for about 50 miles of varied driving. So far, so good.