P0500

DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit




Circuit Description
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a magnetic induction sensor. The VSS is mounted close to the output shaft gear in the transmission. The gear teeth induce an alternating current in the sensor as the output shaft rotates. This frequency is applied to the control module (PCM/VCM) at the rate of 40 cycles per output shaft revolution. The control module calculates the vehicle speed using this AC voltage signal.

If the VSS signal is not detected at any vehicle speed for 5 seconds, this DTC will set

Conditions for Running the DTC
- No active MAP DTCs
- The MAP is less than 20 kPa
- ECT is 60° C (140° F) or more
- The engine speed is between 1400 - 4400 RPM.
- The throttle position is less than 3 percent.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The VCM detects a vehicle speed less than 1 mph (2 km/h) for more than 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles.
- The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool's Freeze Frame and Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
- The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has Run and Passed
- A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22° C (40° F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70° C (158° F) during the same ignition cycle.
- Use the scan tool Clear Information function

Diagnostic Aids
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:

An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
- A poor connection
- Rubbed through wire insulation
- A broken wire inside the insulation

Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections.

If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs.

Inspect the face of the vehicle speed sensor for metal shavings. This could result in an intermittent DTC. Also check for the following conditions:
- A chipped, cracked, or damaged rotor
- Incorrect alignment of the rotor to the speed sensor

Step 1:

Steps 2 - 6:

Steps 7 - 11:

Steps 12 - 14:

Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
2. This test checks the AC voltage output of the vehicle speed sensor.
6. This test checks for an internal transmission problem.