No speedometer/tach

'98 Windstar runs fine, no warning lights, no shifting problems etc. Occasionally (once a month more or less) speedometer and tach drop to zero and odometer does not advance. Cruise still works correctly. After 10 to 20 minutes they pick up with no other symptoms until the next time. Mechanic "can't fix it when it is not broke" (of course it is working fine when I take it in) Any Ideas?

I don't know exactly what is causing it, but I will watching to see if anyone else knows. My check engine light is on and it read that my speed sensor needed replaced, well I replaced it and it is STILL doing it. I hope someone has an answer for us.

I have the same problem but with some slippage in second gear. A lot of posts said to replace the speed sensor, I did, problem is still here.

If the cruise works, obviously the VSS is OK, as is the PCM. You have a problem between the VSS on the trans and the speedo. I will look at my wiring diagrams and see where it could be.

That would be great. I got a book that was supposed to have wiring diagrams but found it to be way too general to be of any value for this problem. BTW took it on a 1200+ mile trip over two days and problem didn't occur

Okay, but if the cruise control is not working correctly? Any other ideas?

With cruise problems, check engine light, etc., I suspect the originating probem is quite different. The originating propblem in that case would be expected to be at a source that is common to both speedo/tach and cruise, while if the cruise is not affected then the originating problem would be expected to be at a source not common to both.