Speedometer cable problem?

I have a 95 2.5L V6 Contour and the speedometer and odometer have stopped working. I haven't noticed any problem with the automatic transmission shifting gears. I found this cable knocking around under the hood and wasn't sure if this was the speedometer cable. I was wondering if it is the cable, is this the only part that needs to be replaced? Thanks for any help.

Welcome . Yep, that looks like a speedometer cable. Contact Bill Jenkins to purchase one or go to your local friendly Ford dealer.

Instructions on how to take out the top part are towards the end of the Instrument Panel R & R. posted in the M&M how to.

"8.b. If you have an early 1995 with a mechanical (cable) speedometer, you need to remove the windshield wiper and cowl, etc. as if you are removing to change Pollen Filter.

http://www.contour.org/mods/mods.php...o&displayid=16

From Haynes: Disconnect negative terminal of battery, reach in behind firewall, squeeze collar on upper end of speedometer cable, where it is attached to intermediate cable from the rear of the speedometer head. Disconnect the cable and withdraw from firewall inner panel with rubber grommet."
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=202


Bill Jenkins info. Send him a PM, email or call
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/member.php?find=lastposter&t=722
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/member.php?find=lastposter&t=2435

Thanks very much for the quick reply. I appreciate the help.

To remove the speedometer cable end on the transaxle, you need to

1) Apply the Parking Brake, jack up the car and put on jack stands (or drive up Rhino Ramps-$40 from Autozone or Advance).

2) The end of the speedometer cable is on top of the Vehicle Speed Sensor (for an early 1995). To remove the speedometer cable nut, you need two crescent wrenches.

3) From below the car, using one crescent wrench to hold the VSS bolt, use the other crescent wrench to unscrew the speedometer cable nut (the nut sitting on top of the VSS bolt).

4) Installation is the reverse.

Edit. The above description of the speedometer cable and cable nut will be clearer to you when you have the new speedometer cable in front of you.