Lincoln/Mercury Repair: check engine, rear view mirror, cottman transmission

Question
I have a 96 Town Car and my check engine light is on.  Also no matter what direction the car is in the compass says i am headed east.  Are these related problems?

Answer
Hi William,

They could be related, but not likely. That black square deal on your rear view mirror is a sensor and they are prone to go bad, especially after a car wash where someone bumps it a little to hard. I had a windshield replaced and the installer whacked it to get it on the mirror stem and he ended up buying me a new one. As far as the check engine light, well, that is connected to dozens of sensors. I suggest running it over to a Cottman Transmission and having it scanned. Get the code number(s) and let me know what they are and it will be an easy fix. Incidentally, Cottman charges nothing for this service, it's free.