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 D DTC. For California emissions, DTC P0503 is a type B DTC.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | No TFP Val. Position Sw. DTC P1810. |
| • | No 4WD Low DTC P1875. |
| • | Not in 4WD Low. |
| • | No TFP Val. Position Sw. changes for greater than 10 seconds. |
| • | No 4WD Low Switch change within 2 seconds. |
| • | The gear range is not Park or Neutral. |
| • | No VSS increase greater than 250 RPM within 2 seconds. |
| • | The OSS RPM has dropped greater than 1000 RPM for at least 4 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | For California emissions, the VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). |
| • | 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. |
| • | DTC P0503 is stored in the VCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | For California emissions, the VCM turns off the MIL after three consecutive trips without a failure reported. |
| • | A scan tool can clear the DTC from the VCM history. The VCM clears the DTC from the VCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a failure reported. |
| • | The VCM cancels the DTC default actions when the fault no longer exists and the ignition is cycled OFF long enough in order to power down the VCM. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | DTC P0503 sets when the VCM detects an OSS loss. |
| • | Inspect the wiring at the VCM, the OSS Sensor connector and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions: |
| - | A bent terminal |
| - | A backed out terminal |
| - | A damaged terminal |
| - | Poor terminal tension |
| - | A chafed wire |
| - | A broken wire inside the insulation. |
| - | Moisture intrusion |
| - | Corrosion |
| • | When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change. |
| • | The vehicle may need to be driven to duplicate the intermittent condition. |
| • | First diagnose and clear any engine DTCs or TP Sensor codes. Then inspect for any transmission DTCs that may have reset. |
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 822 low circuit.
-
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 | Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? | -- | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (5.7L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (7.4L) | |
2 |
Important: Before clearing the DTCs, use the scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. Using the Clear Info function erases the stored Freeze Frame and Failure records from the VCM. Does the Transmission OSS drop or fluctuate more than the specified value? | 1000 RPM | No fault verified at this time. Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Does the DMM voltage drop or fluctuate at 2000 RPM? | -- | |||
4 |
Is the voltage 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 B, (circuit 822 GRN/BLK), of the OSS Sensor connector. Is the voltage less than the specified value? | 0.2 volts | |||
6 | Is the voltage reading in Step 4 greater than the specified value? | 5.1 volts | ||
Is the voltage within the specified value and steady? | 4.0-5.1 volts DC | |||
8 | Inspect circuit 821 (PPL/WHT) for high resistance or an open circuit. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis Procedures. Did you find the condition? | -- | ||
9 | Inspect circuit 822 (GRN/BLK) for high resistance or an open circuit. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis Procedures. Did you find the condition? | -- | -- | |
10 | Inspect circuit 821 (PPL/WHT) for a short to ground. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis Procedures. Did you find the condition? | -- | ||
11 | Using the J 39200 DMM, measure the resistance between terminals A and B of the OSS Sensor. Is the resistance within the specified value? | 1042-2088Ω | ||
12 | Inspect circuits 821 and 822 for a short to B+ voltage or shorted together. Refer to General Electrical Diagnosis in Wiring Systems. Did you find a shorted condition? | -- | ||
Is the voltage greater than the specified value? | 0.5 volts AC | -- | ||
14 |
Did you find a condition? | -- | ||
15 |
Did you find the condition? | -- | ||
16 | Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming (5.7L) or VCM Replacement/Programming (7.4L). Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
17 | Replace the OSS Sensor. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming (5.7L) or VCM Replacement/Programming (7.4L). Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
18 | In order to verify your repair, perform the following procedure:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | System OK |
