Spedometer goes to zero while driving

[rrclyoung]

Several things with this problem....98 windstar with a 3.8. While driving the spedometer drops to zero at which time the odometer stops recording mileage. From a stop the transmission has trouble up shifting, but no trouble downshifting. I replaced the VSS about 3 years and 44,000 miles ago, could this be it again or should I look elsewhere for the problem first before replacing the VSS....

[FredA]

This sounds like the VSS again. Did you have these same symptons when you first had the VSS replaced ? Not to confuse things, are you sure the VSS was replaced ? A lot of people confuse this with the TRS (Transmission Range Sensor).

The VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) is located on the top of the tranny. It is very difficult to get to. You must remove the entire exhust system first. The TRS is eaiser to replace. It is accessible from the top of the car, located near the battery compartment.

Unfortunately, your symptoms sound like the VSS.

Good luck !!

[rrclyoung]

I checked the paperwork from the Ford dealer when I had the first one replaced and they did replace the VSS (8/7/02)...I guess 3 years under the conditions this thing has to live is not to bad. Took it to the Ford dealer today to have it replaced again....$277.00 parts and labor. I looked in my manual and this job was bigger than I wanted to try on my own....especially working under a car with jackstands. These were the same symptoms of the 1st one except the O/D light on the shift lever was present then and not now, other than that it was a carbon copy. Thanks for the reply, I will repost in a couple of weeks when I am sure this fixed the problem or not.