DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A": Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Lexus IS 350. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The speed sensor SP2 detects the rotation speed of the transmission output shaft and sends signals to the ECM. The ECM determines the vehicle speed based on these signals. An AC voltage is generated in the speed sensor SP2 coil as the parking gear mounted on the rear planetary gear assembly rotates, and this voltage is sent to the ECM. The parking gear on the rear planetary gear is used as the timing rotor for this sensor.

The gear shift point and lock-up timing are controlled by the ECM based on the signals from this vehicle speed sensor and the throttle position sensor signal.

Fig 1: Identifying Speed Sensor SP2

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

DTC TROUBLE DETECTION CONDITION

DTC No.	DTC Detection Condition	Trouble Area
P0500	No speed sensor signal to ECM under following conditions: (1-trip detection logic) Park/neutral position switch is OFF Vehicle is being driven	Open or short in speed sensor (SP2) circuit Speed sensor (SP2) Automatic transmission assembly ECM

Reference (Using an oscilloscope):

Check the waveform between terminals SP2+ and SP2- of the ECM connector.

Fig 2: Identifying Oscilloscope Signal

Standard:

Refer to the illustration.

WAVEFORM REFERENCE

Terminal	SP2+ - SP2-
Tool setting	2 V/DIV., 20 ms./DIV
Vehicle condition	Vehicle speed 20 km/h (12 mph)