GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2008 🢒 Epica 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0500

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit

Circuit/System Description

The transmission control module (TCM) provides the engine control module (ECM) vehicle speed information through the high-speed communications on the controller area network (CAN). Vehicle speed is produced by the AC current generated through the transmission output shaft speed (OSS) sensor as the output shaft rotates. The ECM continuously monitors the vehicle speed signal supplied by the TCM.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0689 and P0690 are not set.
    • The engine is running.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is between 10-16 volts.
    • The DTC runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the vehicle speed is greater than 270 km/h (167 mph) or less than 10 km/h (3 mph) for a calibrated length of time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0500 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0500 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification
  1. Raise the drive wheels.

    2. 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.

  2. Support the lower control arms so that the drive axles are in a horizontal position.
  3. Engine running, place the transmission into 2nd gear.
  4. Observe the scan tool VSS parameter. The following should display a vehicle speed once the drive wheels are at a speed above 8 km/h (5 mph):
    5. • The VSS parameter
    • The speedometer
  5. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC Information with a scan tool. Verify there are no TCM DTCs set.
    2. ⇒If TCM DTCs are set refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle for further diagnosis.
  2. Ignition OFF, test the CAN communication circuits between the ECM and the TCM for an open, short to ground, or a short to voltage.
    3. • CAN Serial Data Hi terminal A17
    • CAN Serial Data Low terminal A7
  3. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming