Transmission/Speed sensor Problem

Car is a 96 Contour 2L auto.

While driving at highway speed the speedometer dropped to zero the transmission down shifted into 3rd gear and the Overdrive indicator began flashing.

Though is that speed sensor died and trans went into limp mode.

Disconnected and reconnected battery and tried driving. No speedometer movement and trans still in limp mode.

Were not sure what controls the speedometer, there's a electro-mechanical sensor on the transaxle, but the book says something about a speed sensor in the dash.

What's the best way to troubleshoot this without having a scan tool.

Thanks, Pete

the vss or vehicle speed sensor is on the transmission and is very simple to change. i had this same problem on my 99 taurus on the highway. it shuould take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on where it located on your trans. but it is very simple and will prob cost no more than 50 bucks mine cost 30

the vss or vehicle speed sensor is on the transmission and is very simple to change. i had this same problem on my 99 taurus on the highway. it shuould take about 30 to 60 minutes depending on where it located on your trans. but it is very simple and will prob cost no more than 50 bucks mine cost 30
don't foget to check both speedo cables as well,, seeing that they too cause binding and possible failure