1999 Mercury Cougar Problems Shifting and Speedometer

1999 MERCURY COUGAR
124,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ANGEL_MINNESOTA
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Car has problems trying to shift, and then the speedometer bounces around and goes to 0. Same problem 3 years ago, dealer said they replaced instrument cluster for $700. Doing research, could this possibly have been the problem or more likely transmission range sensor or speed sensor? Need help
May 21, 2010 at 9:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It sounds like a bad vehicle speed sensor. Has that been checked?
Jun 9, 2010 at 7:09 PM
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ANGEL_MINNESOTA
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Yes, I took the car to a transmission guy and he replaced the speed sensor, but no luck. Fortunately, he said he wouldn't charge me since it didn't work. Thanks for the input.

We put in new instrument cluster last night, and it worked for about 10 miles, and then same thing. I think there is a short somewhere, since I could pull on the dash and the speedometer would go back up to the correct speed.

He's taking it apart again and try to clean all connections and check a little deeper. Again, thanks for your input.
Jun 10, 2010 at 7:27 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you find.

Joe
Jun 10, 2010 at 11:54 AM
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ANGEL_MINNESOTA
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The problem was in the instrument cluster. It was cleaned, replaced, and worked when it wanted, but the glitch must have worked itself out as it's up and running fine. Only problem is I only have half of my instrument panel lights, so will have to have them go back in and hook up right. It's always something. Thanks for your help!
Jun 14, 2010 at 7:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'm glad you got it fugured out and happy that it was a cheaper fix than a transmission.

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
Jun 14, 2010 at 1:35 PM