What does the OBD-II trouble code p0500 mean?
OBD-II Trouble Code P0500 Description Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction Diagnostic trouble code P0500 is set when a vehicle’s ECM/PCM detects a loss of signal, or the erratic delivery of a signal, from a vehicle’s speed sensor. In most cases, this speed sensor is seated within the tail shaft of a vehicle’s transmission.
What does the DTC code p0500 mean on a Honda Accord?
Powertrain control module registers Diagnostics trouble code [DTC] P0500 whenever it detects incorrect reading or no signal at all from the vehicle speed sensor [VSS]. A Vehicle speed sensor [VSS] is an electromagnetic sensor that reads the wheel rotation via a rotating reluctor ring.
What does the p050x code on a speed sensor mean?
This code is set when the PCM or engine control module (ECM) detects incorrect speed readings or no signal at all from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Some vehicle platforms don’t list this code but will set similar P050x codes, e.g., P0501, etc.
What does p0500 mean on a 1997 Mercury Tracer?
P0500 Speed Sensor Malfunction (1997 Mercury Tracer) I'm at the end of my rope on this one and any help would be greatly appreciated. I have a 97 Mercury Tracer with a P0500 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction) code being thrown. The speedometer & odometer do not work at all but other dash gauges do work. I first noticed this problem during my fi...
How do you fix code P0500?
What repairs can fix the P0500 code?Vehicle speed sensor drive gear replaced.Repair or replacement of the wiring harness.Vehicle speed sensor replaced.Poor electrical connection resolved.
Where is speed sensor A located?
0:571:38Vehicle Speed Sensor Location - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you ever want to know where the vehicle speed sensor is this is where it is way back behindMoreSo if you ever want to know where the vehicle speed sensor is this is where it is way back behind the engine all right so that's a little look at where the VSS is located.
What does po500 mean?
P0500 code is set when the PCM or engine control module (ECM) detects incorrect speed readings or no signal at all from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Other names for this code include: Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Range/Performance. Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Intermittent/Erratic/High. Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Low Input.
Can you drive with a broken speed sensor?
However, when it comes to wheel speed sensors, a minor-seeming glitch may turn into a major safety risk. That is why in general, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel speed sensor.
How do I reset my speed sensor?
0:542:47Speedometer reset procedure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf that's the case this is all you need to do to fix that problem make sure that it isn't displayingMoreIf that's the case this is all you need to do to fix that problem make sure that it isn't displaying the odometer.
How hard is it to replace a speed sensor?
Fortunately, it is easy to replace a wheel speed sensor and takes you about an hour at maximum. You can also remove the ABS wheel speed sensors separately keeping other parts integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly.
Can I drive with a P0500 code?
Can I Still Drive with a P0500 Code? Though you may be able to physically operate a vehicle with a P0500 code issue, it is highly not recommended if serious symptoms are present. If the vehicle's ABS and Traction Control System (TCS) are malfunctioning, the driver will not be safe in adverse weather conditions.
How much does it cost to fix P0500 code?
In total, your bill could be $90 to $185 or more depending on the exact part that needs replacing and the time it takes to install.
How much does it cost to fix a speed sensor?
The average cost for vehicle speed sensor replacement is between $275 and $318. Labor costs are estimated between $116 and $146 while parts are priced between $159 and $172. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
What are the symptoms of a failing speed sensor?
5 Common Bad Speed Sensor SymptomsTransmission problems. ... Erratic speedometer readings. ... Inability to engage cruise control. ... Lack of torque converter clutch application. ... Check Engine Light is triggered. ... An internal electrical fault in the speed sensor. ... Damage on the sensor itself. ... Poor vehicle maintenance.
How many speed sensors does a car have?
two speed sensorsA car has two speed sensors: the ISS and the OSS, working together to show the transmission data to the car's powertrain module. The ISS sensor monitors the input shaft's speed. If these sensors get misaligned, the operation of the transmission system will be affected.
Can a speed sensor stop a car from starting?
Bad Engine Speed Sensor Symptoms A bad crankshaft or camshaft position sensor may prevent the car from starting.
Which speed sensor controls the speedometer?
The speedometer gets its information from the car's final-drive gearbox through a vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Vehicle Speed Sensor This is a device that sends a signal to your car's ECU about how fast you're going.
How do I fix code P0716?
What repairs can fix the P0716 code?Replacing a failed input speed sensor.Replacing a failed output speed sensor.Rebuilding a damaged transmission (indicated by finings and contamination in the transmission fluid)Repairing or replacing damaged wiring.Repairing corroded connections.Replacing failed circuitry.
What does a speed sensor look like?
0:072:43NTK - Automatic Transmission Speed Sensor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe automatic transmission speed sensor or just speed sensor for short is used to monitor speed. AtMoreThe automatic transmission speed sensor or just speed sensor for short is used to monitor speed. At different points inside of the automatic transmission.
What causes a vehicle speed sensor to malfunction?
Failing to follow your vehicle maintenance schedule can increase the risk of speed sensor failure. This device will not be able to produce correct readings if the magnetic pickup and/or toothed wheel become heavily covered in gunk, particularly old transmission fluid contaminants.
What is the P0500 code?
P0500 code is set when the PCM or engine control module (ECM) detects incorrect speed readings or no signal at all from the vehicle speed sensor (VSS).
Can you fix a P0500 code?
Since there are several possible causes that could trigger the P0500 code, there’s no single way to fix it. Because of this, you’re probably better off having a professional mechanic fix your car for you. Of course, you can decide to resolve the P0500 code on your own if you have the necessary DIY skills.
What Does Code P0500 Mean?
OBD-II Trouble Code P0500 Description Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
Symptoms of Code P0500
There are a number of symptoms that often accompany the presence of a P0500 trouble code. While not all of these symptoms are present in every case, most are prominent enough to be of value during the diagnostic process.
Causes of Code P0500
Diagnostic trouble code P0500 can be caused by a number of underlying issues, some of which tend to be more prominent than others. Nonetheless, it is extremely important to consider all such possibilities when attempting to diagnose DTC P0500.
Is Code P0500 Serious?
Diagnostic trouble code P0500 is typically regarded as being quite serious in nature. This is due to the fact that such issues often prove detrimental to select vehicle functions, especially in those vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
How to Fix Code P0500
The following steps can be followed when attempting to diagnose and remedy the root cause of diagnostic trouble code P0500. As always, consult factory-specific service literature for your particular make and model of vehicle, before attempting any such repair.
What Does the P0500 Code Mean?
Technically, the meaning of this code is: “Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction.” There are many vehicle speed sensors installed around every wheel in a vehicle. These sensors can get faulty, damaged physically, or fail due to excessive wear (aging).
Is the P0500 Code a Serious Issue?
Any issue with your car is a “serious” one and should be treated as such. Modern cars are interconnected; so, a fault in a system can spread and affect all components connected to the system, as well as affect other systems too; this would lead to more damage and costlier repairs.
What does the P0500 code mean?
The P0500 diagnostic trouble code tells us there is a fault found with the vehicle speed sensor. The speed sensor is monitored by the ECU and when it fails to operate properly the P0500 code is set. Once the code is set, the Check Engine Light will illuminate on the dashboard.
How serious is the P0500 code?
P0500 will not prevent the vehicle from operating but it may shift roughly causing some discomfort when driving. If the speedometer is not working, care must be taken to drive within the speed limits until the vehicle is repaired. If the ABS system and Traction Control System (TCS) do not operate, care should be taken when driving especially during adverse weather conditions.
Technical Description
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles, including but not limited to Ford, Toyota, Dodge, BMW, Subaru, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, etc.
What does that mean?
Basically this P0500 code means that the vehicle's speed as read by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not as expected. The VSS input is used by the vehicle's main computer called a PCM/ECM powertrain/engine control module along with other inputs for proper operation of the vehicle systems.
Possible Solutions
A good first step to do as a vehicle owner or DIYer is to search for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your particular vehicle make/model/engine/year. If a known TSB exists (as is the case for some Toyota vehicles), following the instructions in a bulletin can help you save time and money in diagnosing and repairing your issue.
Further Reading
Speedometer not working 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan P0720 P0500 The speedometer on my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8 stopped working and the odometer too. Everything else works, tach, etc. I replaced input and output sensors on tranny. No change.
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Meaning
Causes
- There is a short list of causes that trigger a P0500 trouble code, and they vary in both the complexity of the repair and the cost of parts and labor to repair them. P0500 codes can be caused by: 1. Failed vehicle speed sensor (the sensor itself has died/stopped working) 2. Open or short in the wiring harness (can happen over time due to normal wea...
Symptoms
- Sometimes when you get a check engine light, you can figure out if it’s a P0500 trouble code by observing the following symptoms: 1. Check Engine Light is illuminated 2. The speedometer may not work (a dead giveaway most of the time) 3. Transmission may not shift properly as the ECU uses the vehicle speed to help determine when to shift (a real problem that can cause additiona…
Diagnosis
- Here’s our process for diagnosing a P0500 Trouble Code on your vehicle. 1. Bring It To a TechnicianFirst, a qualified technician connects an ODB2 Scan Tool to your car’s ECU via the access port under the dashboard. Your technician reads what trouble codes are present and will make a note of all codes along with the freeze-frame data taken while your car is running. 2. Cle…
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
- If a problem with the vehicle speed sensor is overlooked, owners may end up needlessly replacing their speedometer only to find that they are still getting a trouble code and the problem has not been resolved. This is why we conduct a thorough, proper diagnosis of all components on a step-by-step basis to avoid these unnecessary repairs.
How Serious Is A P0500 Trouble Code?
- P0500 won’t prevent your vehicle from running and driving, but it may cause your transmission to shift roughly from gear to gear. Other than a bumpy ride, it’s not likely to cause additional damage in the short term. If your speedometer stops working, you may run into trouble obeying speed limits until you diagnose the problem and repair it. If the ABS system and Traction Control Syste…
What Repairs Can Fix A P0500 Trouble Code?
- Thanks to our step-by-step diagnosis and troubleshooting, we can easily find the problem for you when we inspect your vehicle at our shop. Fixing a P0500 error generally requires one or more of the following repairs: 1. Vehicle speed sensor drive gear replaced 2. Repair or replacement of the wiring harness 3. Vehicle speed sensor replaced 4. Poor electrical connection resolved
Conclusion
- A P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction code isn’t a drop everything and get your car to the shop immediately issue. Nevertheless, you should bring your car in to determine what codes are present when your check engine light comes on, and have a qualified technician diagnose the problem and what repair is needed. Trouble codes come up to help you keep your vehicle on the …