O/D light,spdometer, tranny

[wifordgirl]

I have a 97 Contour with 70,00 miles, automatic transmission. I just got my car back from a garage where I had the Fuel pump, water pump and starter replaced. Within 10 miles of leaving the garage the dash went dark, no speedometer and OD light started blinkin and at the same time the car wouldnt shift out of first. I put it in second and drove home very slow. Garage said its nothing they did. Any Ideas what it could be?

[beyondloadedSE]

Just a coincidence that this happened right after they replaced 3 things in your car? Doubt it. I'm guessing they didn't do something correctly after they installed the new starter. Unfortunately, I doubt they will do anything for you.

[JoeShmoe]

Sounds like they forgot to ground something correctly. Don't know if you can do anything about having them fix it again. I have a sneaking suspicion that the alternator is compromised as it can cause a number of whacky symptoms.

[wifordgirl]

I found the problem. I figured it was probably the VSS (vehicle Speed Sensor) I had to order one and when it came in and went to put it on. I pulled the old vss off and found that the plastic speedometer gear that went from the vss to the transmission was sheared at the head and broken off in the transmission. I had to go through some intense work to get it out and. Problem is now I cant find out what that gear is called and I called all the auto stores around here to order one and no one has it in thier books. Any Idea's. Tanya

[rhandwor]

You have to buy from dealer parts department to get the part. Take the bad part with you if its not in stock you have to pay and normally they have it by the afternoon if you go in the morning.

[wifordgirl]

Thank You, I brought it in and they are going to have the new one for me tomarrow. Strange thing is they said it was a 23 tooth gear and that my car calls for a 27. They are going to have the 27 tooth for me tomarrow. Whats stranger still is this has never been repaired on my car befor so why was there the wrong part in there? The ford guy said it would have given wrong readings to my speedo.

[rhandwor]

That is a big difference did you ever notice the speed being wrong. A mistake could have been made at the factory. After you install it check your speed between mile markers on an interstate or with your GPS. Since they told you it was correct they should exchange it free.