1995 Mazda 626 1995 Mazda 626 - 2 fold issue

1995 Mazda 626 4 cyl Automatic >160K miles

Ok so I started having problems with my RPMs dropping into 4th and 3rd while cruising down the highway in 5th gear. When it does, my "over-drive" use to flash, but no longer does it flash, however the event still happens. After a couple of times of jumping gears, it just stays in 3rd and drives at 4K RPM. Now, not always does it do this. On occasion it will drive just fine, but typically it happens after I have been driving it for about 10 - 15 mins. I never say my CEL come on, only the "over-drive" and then my trans light comes on. Again, usually in the mornings or after sitting for several hours, I can drive it in 5th gear with no problems, but then it starts after about 10 - 15. I read online how to jumper the OBD1 using a paperclip on "TEN" & "GND", that did not make the CEL blink. Then I was told "NO, try the "TAT" & "GND" (on row 4). NOTHING! It was after those attempts that I realized there weren't any wires or "pins/pegs" in "TEN" OR "TAT" only in the "GND"s. On my 2nd attempt for "TEN" & "GND" I accidentally stuck the paperclip in "+B" and tested the CEL, my dashboard warning lights flickered then went off. NOW, only the backlight on my dashboard works. When I start the car, neither the warning lights nor my gauges work. I did disconnect the neg battery cable to try and reset but that didn't work. I also checked the fuses and it doesn't appear any are blown. ANY IDEA WHAT EITHER PROBLEM IS?