Speedometer wokrs occasionally on and off

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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Question edited for clarity.

Hi Joe

Probably a loose connection from you were doing the blend actuators. In this is just says give the dashboard a thump.

https://www.contour.org/forums/threads/intermittent-speedometer-and-fuel-gauge.66394/

https://www.google.com/search?q=1998+ford+contour+speedometer+dash+lights+not+working

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Visit the on-line store, know as reliable-store, they have the repair manuals. I'm sure you will get the solution of your problem.
1996 Ford Contour Workshop Repair Service Manual PDF Download

They could be the VSS or the wiring to it or the control module.

instrument cluster shorting out or loose wire connector not fully in place.

If your speedometer is not working your cable is probably broke. You can replace it yourself if you have minimal repair skills.

For speedometer related issues,the help links are provided below.Click the link below to go through its details :----

How to trouble shoot speedometer?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/speedometer-not-working.html

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why speedometer not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/1996-fiat-bravo-speedometer-not-working.html

------------ Speedometer works but odometer not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/speedometer-works-but-odometer-not.html----------- Speedometer runs backward?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/speedometer-runs-backward.html

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Warning lights on and speedometer died?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/warning-lights-on-and-speedometer-died.html

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ABS & Brake lights warning indicator steady on dash and speedometer not working?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-brake-lights-warning-indicator.html

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Vehicles Cluster panel Not reading Miles?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/vehicles-cluster-panel-not-reading.html

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Odometer works properly but speedometer works intermittently? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/odometer-works-properly-but-speedometer.html

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How odometer works in cars?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-odometer-works-in-cars.html

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Speedometer not working on Ford?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/speedometer-not-working-on-1993-ford.html

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This will help.

Thanks

remove the cluster and turn it over untill the needle is on the correct side. Sounds crazy but its the only way to fix it

Yes. You also want to check your alternator. Weird as it sounds our electronic dash on a Lincoln had us doing 55mph at a stop. It was the alternator and you may need to check your backup generator for clean power. There is some kind of electronic term regarding "Sine" waves, that apparently matters alot. Good Luck

i think the vechile speed sensor on is located on the bottom left side of your transmission