well the problem was with the mechanics of the driven gear. the gear had a groove in it, so every couple of reps, the other gear would touch and send the info to the gauge. they had to take the tranny apart to get to it. i guess the good part about this is that i didn't put anymore miles on my car in the 1st month that i had it and i never got pulled over with the problem. thanks everyone for the ideas of what it could be. and as for the arguement of whether it is mechanical or electrical--it is both. thanks a million. now if i only could stop without my car shaking, i'll be good
Kelli