Circuit Description
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) provides vehicle speed information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The VSS is a permanent magnet generator. The VSS produces an AC voltage as rotor teeth on the output shaft of the transmission, 2WD, or transfer case, AWD, 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 converts the pulsing voltage to vehicle speed. The PCM uses the vehicle speed signal to determine shift timing and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.
When the PCM detects an unrealistically large drop in vehicle speed, 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 transmission fluid pressure (TFP) manual valve position switch DTC P1810. |
| • | The engine speed is greater than 450 RPM. |
| • | The time since the last gear range change is greater than 6 seconds. |
| • | The time since the last 4WD low state change is greater than 6 seconds. |
| • | The transmission output speed rise does not exceed 600 RPM within 2 seconds. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The transmission output speed drop is greater than 1,300 RPM for 3 seconds when the transmission is not in PARK or NEUTRAL.
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 a soft landing to second gear. |
| • | The PCM commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The PCM inhibits TCC engagement. |
| • | The PCM inhibits fourth gear if the transmission is in hot mode. |
| • | The PCM freezes Transmission Adaptive Functions. |
| • | 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 fault no longer exists and/or the ignition switch is OFF long enough in order to power down the PCM. |
Diagnostic Aids
Inspect for ABS DTCs. A faulty ABS condition may contribute to setting DTC P0503.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
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 PCM. Does the scan tool Transmission OSS drop or fluctuate more than the specified value? | 1,300 RPM | Go to Step 3 | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections |
Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 1,377-3,355 ohms (2WD) 976-2,354 ohms (AWD) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 7 | |
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 the high signal circuit of the VSS to ground. Does the resistance measure greater than the specified value? | 50 K ohms | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 9 |
6 |
Refer to Testing for a Short to Voltage and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 14 |
7 |
Does the resistance measure within the specified range? | 1,377-3,355 ohms (2WD) 976-2,354 ohms (AWD) | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 13 |
8 | Was the resistance measured in Step 3 greater than the specified value? | 3,355 ohms (2WD) 2,354 ohms (AWD) | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 11 |
9 | Test the high signal circuit of the VSS for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- |
10 |
Refer to Testing for Continuity and Wiring Repairs . 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 for a short together. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs . Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- |
12 |
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 before replacing. There are 2 transfer case speed sensors located near the VSS. Refer to the wire colors on the schematic to identify the VSS. Replace the VSS. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- |
14 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 15 | -- |
15 | Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
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? | -- | System OK |
