DTC P0503. Chevrolet Malibu 2005

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 Malibu 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0503

DTC P0503 2.2L

Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission output speed sensor (OSS) provides vehicle speed information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The OSS is a permanent magnet generator mounted to the transmission case. The OSS produces an AC voltage as the transmission speed sensor rotor teeth pass through the sensor's magnetic field. The AC voltage level increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. The PCM converts the AC voltage into a digital signal. The PCM uses the vehicle speed signal to determine shift timing, torque converter clutch (TCC) apply, TCC release, and gear ratio calculations.

When the PCM detects a loss of vehicle speed while the vehicle is in motion, then DTC P0503 sets. DTC P0503 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No ISS DTCs P0716 or P0717.

•	No 1-2 SS high voltage DTC P0974.

•	The engine is running for 5 seconds or more.

•	An increase in output speed of 80 RPM or greater has not occurred for greater than 2 seconds.

•	The transmission range is not PARK or NEUTRAL.

•	The time since the last range change is greater than 6 seconds.

•	The output speed is greater than 100 RPM for 3 seconds.

•	The input speed has not changed by greater than 500 RPM for 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Output speed drops greater than 400 RPM for 0.5 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 commands maximum line pressure.

•	The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.

•	The PCM calculates output speed from input speed, engine speed, and commanded gear.

•	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 P0503 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 ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Test Description

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

This step tests the ability of the OSS to produce an AC voltage. This step also verifies the integrity of the wiring to the PCM.

This step tests the OSS circuit for correct resistance.

DTC P0503 (2.2L)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
Clear the DTC.

Notice: Support the lower control arms in the normal horizontal position in order to avoid damage to the drive axles. Do not operate the vehicle in gear with the wheels hanging down at full travel.

Raise and support the drive wheels.
Start and idle the engine.
Place the transmission in DRIVE.
Select Transmission OSS on the scan tool.

With the drive wheels rotating, does Transmission OSS increase when the wheel speed increases?

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 2.2L

Go to Step 3

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the PCM C3 connector.
Using the J 35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, connect the DMM between the OSS high signal and the OSS low signal circuits at the PCM C3 connector.
Select AC volts on the DMM.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Rotate the right front drive wheel by hand.
Observe the DMM display.

Can a voltage greater than the specified value be obtained?

0.5 V AC

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

Leave the DMM test leads connected.
Measure circuit resistance.

Is the circuit resistance within the specified range?

1,500-1,900 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

Is the circuit resistance greater than the specified value?

1,900 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

Leave the DMM test leads connected.
Disconnect the OSS connector at the transmission.

Is the circuit resistance less than the specified value?

1,500 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 13

Test the high signal circuit and the low signal circuit of the OSS for being shorted together.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to ground.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

Connect PCM connector C3.
Select DC volts.
Using the J 35616 , connect the DMM test leads between the OSS high signal and the OSS low signal circuits of the OSS connector.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the DMM display system voltage?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to voltage.

Refer to Testing for a Short to Voltage and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for an open.
Test the low signal circuit of the OSS for an open.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

Remove the OSS.

Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Inspect the OSS and the transmission for the following conditions:

•	Incorrect OSS

•	OSS damage

•	Excessive OSS to speed sensor rotor gap

•	Incorrect speed sensor rotor alignment

•	Speed sensor rotor damage

Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Refer to Final Drive Assembly Disassemble or Output Speed Sensor Installation in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

Replace the OSS.

Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Select DTC.
Select Clear Info.
Drive the vehicle in D4.
The transmission output shaft speed must be greater than 100 RPM for 2 seconds and not change by more than 80 RPM.
Select Specific DTC.
Enter DTC P0503.

Has the test run and passed?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK

DTC P0503 3.5L

Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Control Module References

Circuit Description

When the PCM detects a loss of vehicle speed while the vehicle is in motion, then DTC P0503 sets. DTC P0503 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No MAF DTCs P0101, P0102 or P0103.

•	No MAP DTCs P0107 or P0108.

•	The engine is running for 5 seconds or more.

•	An increase in output speed of 500 RPM or greater has not occurred for greater than 2 seconds.

•	The time since the last range change is greater than 6 seconds.

•	The TFT is greater than -20°C (-4°F).

•	The TCC slip speed is greater than -5 RPM.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Output speed drops greater than 1,200 RPM for 4 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 commands maximum line pressure.

•	The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.

•	The PCM calculates output speed from input speed, engine speed, and commanded gear.

•	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 P0503 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 ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM.

Test Description

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

This step tests the ability of the OSS to produce an AC voltage. This step also verifies the integrity of the wiring to the PCM.

This step tests the OSS circuit for correct resistance.

DTC P0503 (3.5L)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

Install a scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
Clear the DTC.

Raise and support the drive wheels.
Start and idle the engine.
Place the transmission in DRIVE.
Select Transmission OSS on the scan tool.

With the drive wheels rotating, does Transmission OSS increase when the wheel speed increases?

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 3.5L

Go to Step 3

Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the PCM C3 connector.
Using the J 35616 GM-approved terminal test kit, connect the DMM between the OSS high signal and the OSS low signal circuits at the PCM C3 connector.
Select AC volts on the DMM.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Rotate the right front drive wheel by hand.
Observe the DMM display.

Can a voltage greater than the specified value be obtained?

0.5 V AC

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

Leave the DMM test leads connected.
Measure circuit resistance.

Is the circuit resistance within the specified range?

1,500-1,900 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

Is the circuit resistance greater than the specified value?

1,900 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

Leave the DMM test leads connected.
Disconnect the OSS connector at the transmission.

Is the circuit resistance less than the specified value?

1,500 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 13

Test the high signal circuit and the low signal circuit of the OSS for being shorted together.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to ground.

Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

Connect PCM connector C3.
Select DC volts on the DMM.
Using the J 35616 , connect the DMM test leads between the OSS high signal and the OSS low signal circuits of the OSS connector.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the DMM display system voltage?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for a short to voltage.

Refer to Testing for a Short to Voltage and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Test the high signal circuit of the OSS for an open.
Test the low signal circuit of the OSS for an open.

Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

Remove the OSS.

Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Inspect the OSS and the transmission for the following conditions:

•	Incorrect OSS

•	OSS damage

•	Excessive OSS to speed sensor rotor gap

•	Incorrect speed sensor rotor alignment

•	Speed sensor rotor damage

Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Refer to Final Drive Assembly Disassemble or Output Speed Sensor Installation in Transmission Unit Repair Manual.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 15

Replace the OSS.

Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, set-up, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

Select DTC.
Select Clear Info.
Drive the vehicle in D4.
The transmission output speed sensor must be greater than 500 RPM for 2 seconds and does not change by 500 RPM or more.
Select Specific DTC.
Enter DTC P0503.

Has the test run and passed?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK