GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Input Gas Applications Only


Object Number: 58207  Size: MF
Automatic Transmission Components 4.3L, 5.7L, and 7.4L Gas
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics 4.3L, 5.7L, and 7.4L Gas
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The OSS Sensor, which is a Permanent Magnet (PM) generator, gives the vehicle speed information to the VCM. The PM generator produces a pulsing AC voltage. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The VCM then converts the pulsing voltage to vehicle speed. The vehicle speed is used for calculations. A scan tool can display the vehicle speed.

When the VCM detects a low vehicle speed and there is a high engine speed in a drive gear range, DTC P0502 sets. DTC P0502 is a type D DTC. For California emissions, DTC P0502 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • No TP Sensor DTCs P0122 or P0123.
    • No TFP Val. Position Sw. P1810
    • No ISS Sensor low DTC P0717.
    • The engine torque must be 100 N·m (80 lb ft) to the following:
       - 345 N·m (275 lb ft) (4.3L)
       - 470 N·m (375 lb ft) (5.7L)
       - 627 N·m (500 lb ft) (7.4L)
    • The Input speed is greater than 2500 RPM.
    • The transmission is not in Park or Neutral.
    • The engine is running and not in fuel cut off.
    • The output shaft speed is less than 200 RPM for at least 3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The VCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The VCM freezes the shift adapts.
    • The VCM defaults a calculated output speed value by using the Input Speed Sensor values.
    • For California emissions, the VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • For California emissions, the VCM turns off the MIL after three consecutive ignition cycles without a failure reported.
    • A scan tool can clear the DTC from the VCM history. The VCM clears the DTC from the VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported.
    • The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is cycled "off" long enough to power down the VCM.

Diagnostic Aids

    • DTC P0502 sets when no vehicle speed is detected at the start off.
    • Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the VCM. Inspect the wiring for poor electrical connections at the transmission 20-way connector. Look for the following conditions:
       - A bent terminal
       - A backed out terminal
       - A damaged terminal
       - Poor terminal tension
       - A chafed wire
       - A broken wire inside the insulation.
    • When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
    • First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP Sensor codes. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the VSS circuit.

  2. This step tests the integrity of the VSS.

  3. This step tests the 5-volt and ground circuit of the VCM.

DTC P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor Low Input (Transmission Output Shaft Speed Signal)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (4.3L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (5.7L and 7.4L)

2

  1. Install the scan tool (tech 1) ®.
  2. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  3. Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The Clear info function will erase the data.

  4. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  5. Raise the drive wheels.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Place the Transmission in any drive range.
  8. With the drive wheels rotating, does the Trans OSS increase with the drive wheel speed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

Does the speedometer work?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Inspect for the most current calibration.
  2. Inspect for an incorrect calibration.

Refer to the Service Bulletin.

Is the calibration current?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 5

5

Reprogram the VCM.

Have you reprogrammed the VCM?

--

Go to Step 16

--

6

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the C1 (blue) VCM connector.
  3. Using the J 39200 DVOM and the J 35616-A Connector Test Adapter Kit, measure the resistance between the VCM harness connector terminal C1-29 and terminal C1-30.

1480-2700ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

  1. Place the transmission in Neutral.
  2. Select the AC volts.
  3. Rotate the rear wheels, ensuring that the driveshaft is turning.

Is the voltage greater than the specified value?

0.5 Volts

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

8

  1. Inspect circuit 821 for a poor connection or an open circuit.
  2. Inspect circuit 822 for a poor connection or an open circuit.

Did you find a poor connection or an open circuit?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 10

9

  1. Reconnect the C1 (blue) VCM connector.
  2. Disconnect the OSS Sensor harness from the OSS Sensor.
  3. With the engine OFF, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
  4. Using the J 39200 DVOM, measure the voltage at the OSS Sensor harness connector terminal  A and terminal B.

Is the J 39200 DVOM showing 4.0-5.1 volts?

4.0-5.1 volts

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

10

  1. Remove the OSS Sensor.
  2. Inspect the output shaft speed sensor rotor for damage or misalignment.

Did you find a problem ?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

Replace the OSS Sensor.

Refer to Automatic Transmission Output (Shaft) Speed Sensor Replacement, in On-vehicle Service.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

12

Was the reading in Step 9 less than the specified value?

4.0 volts

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Was the reading in Step 9 greater than the specified value?

5.1 volts

Go to Step 14

--

14

Repair the short to power B+ in circuit 821.

Refer to Electrical Diagnosis, Section 8.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

15

Replace the VCM.

Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming (Vehicle Control Module) , Section 6.

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 16

--

16

In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Operate the vehicle so that the transmission output speed is grater than 500 RPM for 1 second.
  3. Select Clear Info.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0502.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Begin the diagnosis again. Go to Step 1