Cadillac Repair: PC0717 Code, shaft speed, turbine speed

Question
My 96 Deville(del. date 14June96)with 4.6 engine and 83000 miles,frequently illuminates the "SES" inst.panel light and displays less frequently,the "Service Transmission" message. When I read the codes,PC0717 History is on about half the time,but PC0717 Current is rarely on.I check codes about once per month, and usually reset them,if on,but they frequently go out by themselves.This has been going on for over two years.
Is this a serious problem that I should have fixed(or try to fix myself),or can I just continue to drive it?

Answer
PC0717 = turbine speed circuit has an intermittent signal.

This is the sensor that monitors the output shaft speed that controls your shift patterns and your over drive. You should get it fixed but requires partial to total transmission removal to replace it. Cost runs from $850.00 to $1500.00 depending if they only partially remove or totally remove the transmission. Get some estimates.