1999 Mercury Cougar Problems Shifting and Speedometer

Tiny
ANGEL_MINNESOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
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
Friday, May 21st, 2010 AT 9:32 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
It sounds like a bad vehicle speed sensor. Has that been checked?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
ANGEL_MINNESOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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.
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
ANGEL_MINNESOTA
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
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!
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Monday, June 14th, 2010 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,144 POSTS
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
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Monday, June 14th, 2010 AT 1:35 PM

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