speedometer malfunction and check engine indicator

Today my speedometer and odometer suddenly quit working. Shortly after that, the check engine light came on. I am in the middle of a cross country trip (I am from Georgia and just got a job in Montana). The check engine light came on and I'm in Sioux City, Iowa, so I've still got about 1,000 miles to drive before I get to my job in Montana. I'm not sure what to do about it. Also, I'm supposed to start my job tomorrow or Sunday, so I'm basically panicking. Does anyone know what has caused this all of a sudden or have any suggestions? I am really in a bind here, so I would really appreciate any help.

I found a post from another user that seems to be about the same problem, but they didn't post a reply about how they fixed it.

 

its prob ur speed sensor, or the cluster itself. most likely its in the cluster. i have replaced a few that have gone bad. its not a big deal. just drive it around, u save on miles!!! lol. remember for every 1K rpm u driving its the mph in relation.

 

so is the check engine light an issue or what?

 

if the speedo doesnt work it prob for P0500 Speed sensor circuit malf. for the MIL.

 

I don't know what that means. I'm sorry i dont know much about technical stuff w/ cars.