GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 Savana - AWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L 🢒 DTC P0503

Object Number: 1442853 Size: MF
Master Electrical Component List
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS), which is a permanent magnet 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 magnetic field of the sensor. 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.
    • The system voltage is between 8-18 volts.
    • The engine is running for more than 7 seconds.
    • The gear range is not PARK or NEUTRAL.
    • No TFP manual valve position switch changes for greater than 6 seconds.
    • No 4WD Low switch change within 2 seconds.
    • No AT OSS increase greater than 250 RPM within 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The AT VSS has dropped greater than 1,000 RPM for at least 3.4 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 Federal emission equipped vehicles, the MIL is not illuminated.
    • The PCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The PCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The PCM defaults a calculated output speed value by using the AT 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, California only, and Failure Records, California and Federal.
    • The PCM stores the DTC P0503 in PCM history during the second consecutive trip, California, 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 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 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

DTC P0503 defaults to an elevated line pressure condition which may result in partial TCC apply. This may produce an idle surge that could stall the engine.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests the VSS assembly circuit.

    2.

  2. This step tests the integrity of the VSS assembly.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. 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 PCM.

  3. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.
  5. Raise and support the rear axle assembly.
  6. Start the engine.
  7. Place the transmission in D3 range.
  8. With the drive wheels rotating, slowly accelerate to 2,000 engine RPM and hold. Road test the vehicle if necessary.

Does the scan tool Transmission VSS drop or fluctuate more than the specified value?

1,000 RPM

Go to Step 3

Go to Intermittent Conditions in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connector C2.
  3. Using the DMM and the J 35616 GM Terminal Test Kit, measure the resistance between harness connector terminals C2-20 and C2-21.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

1,420-2,140 ohms

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 7

4

  1. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL.
  2. Select AC volts.
  3. Prevent one rear wheel from turning.
  4. Rotate the other rear wheel by hand, ensuring that the driveshaft is turning.

Does the voltage measure greater than the specified value?

0.5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 12

5

Measure the resistance from terminal C2-21 to ground.

Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value?

10 M ohms

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6
  1. Connect the PCM connector C2.
  2. Disconnect the engine wiring harness from the VSS assembly.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Test both the high and the low signal circuits of the AT VSS assembly 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

Go to Step 14

7
  1. Disconnect the engine wiring harness from the VSS assembly.
  2. Measure the resistance of the VSS assembly.

Does the resistance measure within the specified range?

1,420-2,140 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 13

8

Was the resistance measured in Step 3 greater than the specified value?

2,140 ohms

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

9

Test both the high and the low signal circuits of the AT VSS assembly 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

--

10

Test both the high and the low signal circuits of the AT VSS assembly for an open. Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11

Test the high signal circuit and the low signal circuit of the VSS assembly for a short together. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

12
  1. Remove the VSS assembly. Refer to Vehicle Output Speed Sensor Replacement .
  2. Inspect the output shaft speed sensor rotor for damage or misalignment.
  3. Inspect the case extension bushing for wear.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Important: For vehicles equipped with an active transfer case, identify the VSS assembly before replacing. There are two transfer case speed sensors located near the VSS assembly. Refer to the wire colors on the schematic to identify the VSS assembly.

Replace the VSS assembly. Refer to Vehicle Output Speed Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Operate the vehicle, ensuring that the transmission output speed is greater than 300 RPM for 2 seconds.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0503.

Has the test run and passed?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 2

16

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 in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L

System OK