DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent Gas LQ4
Circuit Description
The output shaft speed (OSS) sensor, which is a permanent magnet (PM) generator, provides the vehicle speed information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PM generator produces a pulsing AC voltage as the transmission speed sensors rotor teeth pass through the sensor's magnetic field. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The PCM then converts the pulsing voltage to a digital signal for vehicle speed. The vehicle speed is used for engine and transmission calculations.
If the PCM detects a low vehicle speed and there is a high engine speed in a drive gear range, DTC P0503 sets. DTC P0503 is a type C DTC. For California emissions, DTC P0503 is a type B DTC.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | No TFP manual valve position switch DTC P1810. |
| • | No 4WD low DTC P1875. |
| • | The engine is running greater than 300 RPM for greater than 7 seconds. |
| • | The system voltage is between 8.0-18.0 volts. |
| • | Not in 4WD low. |
| • | No TFP manual valve position switch changes for greater than 6 seconds. |
| • | No 4WD low switch change within 2 seconds. |
| • | No OSS increase greater than 250 RPM within 2 seconds. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The gear range is not PARK or NEUTRAL. |
| • | The OSS RPM has dropped greater than 1000 RPM for at least 4 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | For California emission equipped vehicles, the PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. For Non-California emission equipped vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is not illuminated. |
| • | The PCM commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The PCM freezes the shift adapts. |
| • | The PCM defaults a calculated output speed value by using the ISS values. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM stores this information as Freeze Frame (Calif. only) and Failure Records (Calif. and Federal). |
| • | The PCM stores the DTC P0503 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip (Calif.) or the first trip (Federal) in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | For California emissions, 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. |
| • | For California emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | For Federal emissions, the PCM clears the DTC from PCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The PCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset. |
| • | Inspect the connectors at the PCM, the OSS sensor and all other circuit connecting points for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems. |
| • | Inspect the circuit wiring for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems. |
| • | The vehicle may need to be driven to duplicate the intermittent condition. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check? | -- | ||||||||
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The Clear Info function will erase the data. With the drive wheels rotating, does the Scan Tool Transmission OSS increase with the drive wheel speed? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |||||||
3 |
Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 1377-3355 ohms | ||||||||
Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value? | 0.5 volts | |||||||||
5 | Measure the resistance from terminal C2-21 to ground. Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value? | 50 K ohms | ||||||||
6 |
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 1377-3355 ohms | |||||||||
8 | Was the resistance measured in Step 3 greater than the specified value? | 3355 ohms | ||||||||
9 |
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | -- | |||||||
10 |
Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | -- | |||||||
11 | Test the high circuit (CKT 821) and the low circuit (CKT 822) of the OSS assembly for a short together. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | -- | |||||||
12 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
13 |
Important: For vehicles equipped with an active transfer case, identify the OSS assembly before replacing. There are two transfer case speed sensors located near the OSS assembly. Refer to the wire colors on the schematic to identify the OSS assembly. Replace the OSS assembly. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
14 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
15 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |
