Ford Repair: Brakes and spedo, david welcome, abs light

Question
I drive a 99 ranger, and a few days ago getting of the freeway, my abs light came on, and my spedo woudn't read below 35mph.  I have read a few questions that had the simmalar things happen.  My guess is the VSS, I think that a faulty reading may be throwing the brake system off, and would explane the spedo.  I drive a manual, so I can't tell if the shifting is off.  So my question is, can I do something about this on my own? (I'm a starving student who doen't have much money)  and part two is; if I leave it be untill the next paycheck, will my truck be ok?  I drive it about 50 miles on the weekend?  Thanks so much--David

Answer
David-

  Welcome to the wonderful world of college.  I, myself, am in the last year of my bachelor's degree (auto tech major with a minor in world language...I know, it's a weird combo).  My first thought would be the VSS as well, so in this case your guess really is as good as mine.  If the car is still behaving normally despite the ABS light and the speedo, I'd say it should be ok to drive so long as you get it looked at when you get the chance.  Just pay close attention while driving and watch for any changes in the car (especially if you travel on the highway).  Can you fix it yourself?  Probably...if you have a decent repair manual.  The VSS isn't terribly hard to replace.  It's by no means a cake walk, but I can think of a few dozen other things I'd rather not be doing.  Hope this helps.

Steve