DTC P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) A

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P0500 - VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR (VSS) A

Description:	Indicates the powertrain control module (PCM) detected an error in the vehicle speed information. Vehicle speed data is received from either the VSS, the transfer case speed sensor (TCSS) or the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module. If the engine RPM is above the torque converter stall speed (automatic transmission) and the engine load is high, it can be inferred that the vehicle must be moving. If there is insufficient vehicle speed data input, a concern is indicated and this DTC sets. On most vehicle applications the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates when this DTC sets.
Possible Causes:	Open in the VSS+/VSS-harness circuit Open in the TCSS signal or the TCSS signal return harness circuit Short to ground in the VSS harness circuit Short to ground in the TCSS harness circuit Short to voltage in the VSS harness circuit Short to voltage in the TCSS harness circuit Damaged drive mechanism for VSS or TCSS Damaged VSS or TCSS Damaged wheel speed sensors Damaged wheel speed sensor harness circuits
Diagnostic Aids:	Monitor the VSS PID while driving the vehicle. This DTC sets when the PCM detects a sudden loss of vehicle speed signal over a period of time. If vehicle speed data is lost, check the source of the vehicle speed input: VSS, TCSS or ABS. On some manual shift-on-the-fly (MSOF) applications, VSS and TCSS PID can be monitored. However if no TCSS PID is available and VSS PID is zero, TCSS circuitry frequency must be checked for loss of sensor.
Application	Key On Engine Off	Key On Engine Running	Continuous Memory
F-Series Super Duty	GO to PINPOINT TEST DF .
Manual Transmission	GO to PINPOINT TEST DP .
All others	The powertrain control module (PCM) uses information from the ABS module and the transmission control module (TCM) to calculate vehicle speed. Check these modules for DTCs.