Speedometer/Tranny trouble!

[apeder]

I have a 96' w/170k. I recently noticed that evey time I drive for 15 minutes or more the speedometer goes dead while driving and the transmission starts to shift hard. At the same time the steering stiffens up(more than usual). Every morning the car drives fine for that first 15 min. Not sure whats going on. Any ideas? THANKS

[shorod]

Sounds like you may have vehicle speed sensor issue. Vehicle speed is used to help determine shift points and, if you have Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS) it comes in to play in determining the amount of assist.

I believe though that vehicle speed on your '96 would be derived from the ABS system and one or more wheel speed sensors.

-Rod

[apeder]

I will look into that and post results of what I figure out. Thanks