1994 Cougar- Odometer Stopped Working

1994 Cougar- 97,000 miles

I decided to get a few things done today. I changed the oil & filter, air filter, fuel filter, put on new front brake pads & rotors. I also pulled out the radio; I intend to replace it soon.

I went for a quick road test, and both the odometer and trip meter have frozen. I know they were working before, so I must have bumped something. What could it be?

EDIT:
Turn signals and hazard lights suddenly stopped working, too.

Okay, the turn signals are unreleated. I found the hazard light switch was overriding the turn signals, but failing to flash the four-ways. After cleaning and lubricating the switch, problem solved there.

Now back to the odometer-

I've been searching around on the forum, and I see this is a fairly common issue, but most of these threads are left unanswered. There is some talk out there regarding replacing the gear(s) in the instrument panel. But I'm not throwing parts at this; let's see if we can diagnose it first.

I have a Chilton manual, but it does not address the odometer. Where does it gets its signal from- a sensor in the transmission? I imagine it shouldn't be the speed sensor, as my speedometer still works fine.

ok im not to sure im allowed to do this but if ur looking for cougar info then you need to check out www.tccoa.com (http://www.tccoa.com) (thunderbird cougar club of america) thats whre i find all my info about my 95 cougar

I've been looking at that site some. It seems the little gear behind the dash is not very strong, and breaks all the time. I ordered a new one, and have them ready to go in when I get around to it. I think I'll see about rolling the odometer forward to account for lost miles so this thing stays accurate as possible.

I would have preferred to diagnose this thing first, rather than throw parts at it. But since that tiny gear is such a common problem, it will need to be done sooner or later. Hopefully that is all it needs!