Nissan Repair: Speedometer/Power Steering, don donald, speed signal

Question
Von;  My power steering and speedometer cut out briefly, then come back on at the same time on a 1996 Q45 with 125,000 miles.  I cleaned connections on all the fuses and relays & noticed that the positive battery cable, especially the red box on the cable, was badly corroded, so I had the cable replaced [what a job!] This made the problem worse.  I can think of no reason, other than electrical, that would connect these two systems. What is your take on this?  Don

Answer
Donald,

If the engine cuts out due to the speedometer cutting off it could cause what you are experiencing with the power steering.  Check to see if the speed sensor on the transmission is going out.  If it is I bet your car will drive much better.  The computer receives the speed signal from the speedometer head and it is driven by the sensor on the transmission.  There is no cable.