Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Speedometer/Dealers Don't know Squat!

First of all, I wish to thank everyone for helping me out with my issue. Per my prevoius post, my speedometer is not working all the time, especially in the mornings. I replaced the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) and the problem still exists. I have spoken to three different Ford dealers. They have said the following:
1) Could be a bad automatic transmission. (It shifts OK)
2) Could be a bad PCM
3) Could be a bad instrument cluster

Questions guys,
Is there a separate control for the speedometer, or does the PCM control the dashboard speedometer? Where does the VSS signal go? It seems to me that is where the problem is.
You see, my son drives the car (he's 19) and I don't want him to get a ticket and then tell me, "Well the speedometer wasn't working!)
The dealer is quoting $350.00 to $500.00 for the cluster work!
The car is a '98 Sport w/auto tranny.