DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent Gas Only
Circuit Description
The output shaft speed sensor (OSS sensor), which is a permanent magnet (PM) generator, provides the vehicle speed information to the vehicle control module (VCM). 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 VCM then converts the pulsing voltage to a digital signal for vehicle speed. The vehicle speed is used for engine and transmission calculations.
If the VCM 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 TFP manual valve position switch changes in less than 10 seconds. |
| • | The AT ISS is greater than 1,500 RPM. |
| • | The engine is running more than 475 RPM for more than 7 seconds. |
| • | No VSS increase greater than 250 RPM within 2 seconds. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The OSS RPM has dropped more than 1,000 RPM for at least 4 seconds |
| • | The gear range is not PARK or NEUTRAL. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | For California emission equipped vehicles the VCM 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 VCM commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The VCM freezes the shift adapts. |
| • | The VCM defaults a calculated output speed value by using the ISS values. |
| • | The VCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The VCM stores this information as Freeze Frame (Calif. only) and Failure Records (Calif. and Federal). |
| • | The VCM stores the DTC P0503 in VCM 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 VCM 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 VCM clears the DTC from VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | For Federal emissions, the VCM clears the DTC from VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and/or the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP sensor codes. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset. |
| • | DTC P0503 sets when the VCM detects an OSS loss. |
| • | Inspect the connectors at the VCM, 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.
-
This step tests the integrity of the OSS sensor.
-
This step tests for voltage in the input low circuit (CKT 822) .
-
This step tests the 5-volt and ground circuit of the OSS sensor circuit.
-
This step tests the OSS sensor and the circuit.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (4.3L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (5.0/5.7L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (7.4L) | |
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure records from the VCM. Does the Transmission OSS drop or fluctuate more than the specified value? | 1000 RPM | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Does the DMM voltage drop or fluctuate at 2000 RPM? | -- | |||
4 |
Does the voltage measure within the specified value and steady? | 4.0-5.1 volts DC | ||
With the ignition switch in the RUN position, measure the voltage at cavity 2 of the OSS sensor connector. Does the voltage measure less than the specified value? | 0.2 volts | |||
6 | Does the voltage reading in Step 4 measure greater than the specified value? | 5.1 volts | ||
Does the voltage measure within the specified value and steady? | 4.0-5.1 volts DC | |||
8 | Test the signal circuit (CKT 821) of the OSS sensor for high resistance or an open circuit between the VCM connector C1-30 and the OSS sensor connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
9 | Test the ground circuit (CKT 822) of the OSS sensor for high resistance or an open circuit between the VCM connector C1-29 and the OSS sensor connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | -- | |
10 | Test the signal circuit (CKT 821) of the OSS sensor for a short to ground between the VCM connector C1-30 and the OSS sensor connector. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
11 | Using the J 39200 DMM, measure the resistance between terminals 1 and 2 of the OSS sensor. Does the resistance measure within the specified value? | 1042-2088ohms | ||
12 | Test the signal circuit (CKT 821) and the ground circuit (CKT 822) of the OSS sensor for a short to B+ or shorted together. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value? | 0.5 volts AC | -- | ||
14 |
Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4L80-E Section of the Transmission Unit Repair Manual. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
15 | Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming (4.3L) or VCM Replacement/Programming (5.0/5.7L) or VCM Replacement/Programming (7.4L) in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |
16 | Replace the OSS sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |
17 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |
