What Is the P0500 Code?
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A P0500 code is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) titled “Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Malfunction.” This code is triggered when the vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) detects inaccurate speed readings or lack of a signal from the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS is used to provide real-time information regarding vehicle speed.
Depending on the car manufacturer, this code may be displayed differently. It could come up as P050x or code 501. The P0500 code may also be referred to as: Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Range/Performance, Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Intermittent/Erratic/High, or Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Low Input.
This code can appear for a variety of reasons, so it’s crucial to have a certified technician diagnose the specific cause for this code triggering in your situation.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0500 Code?
If your vehicle encounters a P0500 code issue, various symptoms may appear. One of the most commonly noticed symptoms is that your vehicle may display a Check Engine Light on the dashboard and the speedometer may malfunction.
Additionally, you may experience difficulties with your vehicle’s automatic transmission and encounter erratic gear shifting as the ECU uses the vehicle speed to decide when to shift gears. Often, the vehicle’s ABS and traction control systems may get disabled, act erratically, or will not engage when they should. A vehicle’s ABS module uses inputs from the Wheel Speed Sensor to generate a vehicle’s speed information which it then delivers to the ECM and PCM.
What Are Some Causes of a P0500 Code?
One common cause of the P0500 code is a faulty or broken Vehicle Speed Sensor. Other common causes include issues with the PCM or other modules, VSS wiring or connector issues, or a damaged VSS drive gear. Other causes of the code are broken reluctor wheels as the sensor located there has to generate a signal to the ECM
How Serious Is the P0500 Code?
The P0500 code issue can cause serious performance and driveability issues. If the VSS is malfunctioning, the vehicle’s speedometer may behave erratically. Additionally, the automatic transmission may not shift automatically or will shift erratically. If you notice any similar symptoms, we highly recommend addressing this issue as soon as possible for safety reasons by getting your vehicle checked out by a qualified technician.
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. Therefore, if you’re experiencing any similar symptoms while driving, it’s strongly recommended not to wait any longer and get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0500 Code?
Diagnosing a P0500 code issue correctly can be difficult as it has several potential causes, so most people often leave the diagnosis process to the professionals.
The first step most technicians take is to use a scan tool to check for any codes present in the vehicle, aside from the P0500 code. They will then take note of all the codes found along with the freeze frame data and will proceed to clear the vehicle of all codes. They will then perform a road test to confirm the P0500 code issue is present. Next, the technician will use the scan tool to verify if the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) signal functions while driving. The quickest way to isolate a sensor issue is to examine the data on the scan tool and look for an AC signal generation on a scope, or the value represented in the live data to confirm smooth operation. This can also isolate issues such as wiring or broken reluctor wheels. Finally, the technician will finish off by performing a voltage check of the Vehicle Speed Sensor using a multimeter.
If all is deemed OK after the scans and driving test, the technician will visually inspect the various sensors and modules.
For a more detailed list of service centers near you, visit KBB’s service center list.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0500 Code?
Correctly inspecting and diagnosing the P0500 issue can be complicated due to the various possible causes. Therefore, we highly recommend not performing a self-diagnosis and suggest that you take your vehicle to a certified technician.
The technician will visually inspect the Vehicle Speed Sensor and then visually check all associated wiring and connections for any apparent damage.
For a more detailed list of service centers near you, visit KBB’s service center list.
Need Additional Help with Your P0500 Code?
In conclusion, the P0500 code issue may cause serious performance and driving-related problems for your vehicle. However, correctly diagnosing the code issue is best left to qualified technicians, as the location of the Vehicle Speed Sensor, for example, can vary greatly depending on the make and model of your car.
Therefore, you should get your vehicle immediately inspected if you are experiencing problems such as a faulty speedometer or erratic gear shifting by your vehicle’s automatic transmission. Getting your vehicle inspected by a proper technician reduces the risk of further damage to your car.
For more information on the P0500 and other similar diagnostic codes, visit KBB’s vast library of OBD-II codes.
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