Transmission,speedometer erratic 97 escort

[wclark]

1997 Ford Escort 2.0 4cylinder automatic with 130,000 miles.

Suddenly the speedometer is intermittenly working and when it is not working the trans is not shifting correctly. the speedometer says 0mph sometimes and then bounces back and forth from the actual speed back to 0? the trans will shift into OD for a few seconds, then do an abrupt downshift to 2nd I think. Then when you press the throttle the engine just revs up with no increase in forward motion . At a certain point as the vehicle is slowing down the trans will catch and start going again. I have only had this happen when the speedometer is not working. (also odometer stops)If when it won't go I down shift into 2nd manually and then shirt back into drive it will start to go again.
everything then works normal for a mile and then trouble repeats.
Yes engine light is on.
Thank You in advance for your Help.

[ModMech]

Replace the trans speed sensor after carefully inspecting the connector and adjacent wires for any problems.

[wclark]

Im going to autozone tomorrow and pick up a service manual to see where sensor is located.
Any other suggestions as to a cure for this problem would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

[dxrflyboy]

Sounds like a faulty vehicle speed sensor and/or related circuit.