In my 1996 ford escort the speedometer just quit working, does anyone know some of the things I could check?

. Test all underhood and underdash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145

. Check/replace the Variable Speed Sensor (VSS).

If the problem persists, remove and check the speedometer and the printed circuit board.