Diagnostic fault code P0500 indicates that the speed sensor is faulty. When the ECU detects a malfunction in the speed sensor, the P0500 diagnostic fault code is generated. The P0500 code will be displayed on the instrument panel along with the engine fault light. The speed sensor may have given incorrect readings, or it could not be sending any signals at all.
Certains vehicles do not display the code, but instead set P050x codes similar to P0501 (e.g. ).
The location of the sensor can vary depending on your vehicle’s model and year. The speed sensor is usually located on the hub of the front wheel in front-wheel drive vehicles. The speed sensor can be found on the output shaft of the transmission or in the rear differential. Modern vehicles can have speed sensors installed at each wheel.
The ECU displays the speedometer with the correct speed using the data from the vehicle speed sensor. This information is also used to inform the transmission to change gears, and to monitor safety features like anti-lock brakes and traction control.
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What are the causes of the P0500 fault code?
Sensors for VSS can usually be replaced. The reason for the fault code P0500 can vary depending on what type of VSS is being used. These are the most common reasons for the P0500 error code:
- Faulty vehicle speed sensors
- VSS connectors or cables can be damaged by short circuit, wear and tear or breaking
- Damaged speed sensor drive gear
- Electrical connection is weak
- Problems with PCM or other modules
What are the symptoms of fault code P0500?
- Faulty speedometer or engine fault light
- Automatic transmissions may shift gears incorrectly if the ECU is using the speed sensor to determine the appropriate time to change gears.
- ABS and traction systems can be malfunctioning or disabled.
- These systems can display fault lights on the instrument panel.
How to Fix Error Code P0500?
- To determine if codes are returning, all codes must be removed and the vehicle must undergo a road test.
- Check all the cables and connectors on the speed sensor if the code returns.
- Cables that are damaged or broken, and loose connections need to be repaired.
- Multimeters are required to check the voltage of the speed sensor.
- If damaged, the speed sensor drive gear should be replaced.
- The speed sensor should be replaced if the problem does not occur in one of the above.
How serious is the P0500 fault code?
P0500 will not stop the vehicle running but may cause an irregular shift in gears, which could be a little uncomfortable. In a short period of time, this type of driving could cause additional damage. When the speedometer does not work, it is important to stay within the speed limit until the vehicle has been repaired. When the ABS and Traction Control Systems (TCS) do not work, you should drive with extra caution, especially in bad weather conditions.
Relevant speed sensor fault codes
- P0501 Vehicle Speed Sensor ‘A’ Range/Performance
- P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Low Input
- P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor ‘A’ Intermittent/Irregular/High
