With Manual Transmission

DTC P0500





Circuit Description
Vehicle speed information is provided to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS is a permanent magnet generator that is mounted on the transmission and produces a pulsing voltage. The AC voltage amplitude and frequency increases with vehicle speed. The PCM converts the pulsing voltage into km/h (mph). The PCM supplies the necessary signal to the instrument panel for speedometer, odometer operation and to the cruise control module. The PCM also supplies the signal to the Body Control Module (BCM), and the electronic suspension control module, if equipped.

If the PCM detects no vehicle speed for 50 seconds, DTC P0500 sets. DTC P0500 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC
^ No MAP sensor DTCs P0106 or P0107.
^ No ECT sensor DTCs P0117 or P0118.
^ No idle control system DTC P0506 or P0507.
^ No TP sensor DTCs P0120 or P0220.
^ The ECT is 35°C (95°F) or greater.
^ The engine speed is greater than 1,000 RPM.
^ The TP angle is 5-100 percent.
^ The MAP is 40 - 100 kPa when the A/C is OFF.
^ The MAP is 45 - 100 kPa when the A/C is ON.
^ All conditions are met for more than 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The PCM detects no vehicle speed (0 km/h (0 mph) for 50 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
^ The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.
^ The PCM disables Cruise Control.
^ The PCM commands the coolant fan ON.
^ The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
^ The PCM stores DTC P0500 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
^ The PCM turns OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test runs and passes.
^ A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
^ The PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission-related diagnostic fault occurring.
^ The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the DTC passes.

Diagnostic Aids
Ensure the VSS is correctly torqued to the transmission housing.

Test Description








The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
3. This step tests the ability of the VSS to produce an AC voltage. This step also verifies the integrity of the wiring to the PCM.
4. This step tests the VSS circuit for correct resistance.