Tach dropped to 0 while driving and other issues

On the way home from work today, the tach suddenly dropped to 0 RPMs, the "TCS OFF" light illumintated, but the car kept running fine as if nothing odd had happened. About a half mile later as I was going up a hill which required more throttle, the car started sputtering (kind of like it was missing) and it would not shift gears at all. I pulled over, popped the hood and didn't see or hear anything odd. I shut the engine off, started it again and everything came on fine including the tach. After that I continued to drive home with no problems. No CEL or anything.

Any clue what the crap happened? I'm concerned because cars don't just have bad days and I'm sure the problem will be back. I heard a bad crank sensor can cause the tach to drop to zero, but I've seen that usually is accompanied with a starting issue as well which I don't have.

The only other tid-bit of info I have is about every couple weeks, when I start the car up to back out of the garage, it starts to sputter for a minute once a put it in reverse. It goes away after a few seconds and then that is that.

Any input is appreciated.

Crank sensor possibly?

I'd go with Cam's instinct and shotgun a crank sensor. It's the most likely cause of all your woes.

Cam... next time include the how to link and I give out bonus points.

Ok great. Thanks for the input guys. On the drive to work today it had no issues, but I'll start with the CPS like you said.

Bill, you took the words right out of my mouth. Is there a write-up on this anywhere? I don't even know where the CPS is located on this vehicle.

Slice.. all you have to do for a lot of write ups is search on "e a s y" without the spaces and my screen name.

Perfect, thanks! For anyone else...

http://www.grandprixforums.net/how-r...sor-60906.html (How to replace a crank sensor)

You like how it all comes up with one word? It's all super e assssy

lol