Speed Control Cable problems of the 1996 Ford Escort

Clicking sound coming from the front left side of the car. Had it looked at by mechanic and was told it had something to do with the speedometer cable. The sound is getting louder and can be very annoying. Was shocked and surprised to learn that left rear coil spring was broken and had to be replaced. Check engine light comes on and the code reads 1443. Mechanic could not find any problem and said it might have a been loose gas cap. He reset the light. Check engine light came back on after driving 15 miles, took it back to service station and got same code. Mechanic could not find the problem and has asked me to take it to the dealer for a smoke test.