Speedometer failues speedometer stopped working

I think you should treat yourself to a new vehicle Joe. You are just chasing faults on this one! It is well past its sell by date.

The most common reasons a Ford Contour speedometer isn't working are the vehicle speed sensor (VSS), a faulty speedometer, or an electrical issue.

Reasons a Ford Contour Speedometer Isn't Working - RepairPal

Videos and other articles. It seems a popular fault.

https://www.google.com/search?q=speedometer+to+stop+working+on+a+1998+ford+contour

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Could be 3 different things, 1, speedometer head has failed, speed sensor in the tailshaft housing on trans failed or the speedometer buffer failed

a good place to start looking would be the speedometer cable.

speed sensor.

The speedometer should be on the same circuit as the rest of the gauges.
If the speedometer and odometer stop working, you should get a check engine light and the problem could be the speed sensor in the transmission.

this sounds like a bad speedometer cluster, you stated everything else works so i assume the speedometer is working and just the odometer and trip stopped working and so the speedometer will need replacing. good day.

this vehicle has an electronic speed sensor located on the trans i do believe but im pretty sure this is your problem change it and your cured

Since it was not running for quite some time and most probably the speedometer which is hydraulic control, either the oil has leaked due to the oil seal leak or the fluid has coagulated thus requiring changing of the same(liquid/oil)................sodeep

Your speed sensor has failed. The vehicles speedometer is not cable controled, it's controled by a sensor in your transmission. It's a easy fix, but the new sensor is about $80 to $100 depending on where you get it.

speedomenter cable may be broke or speed gear may be bad