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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Input Manual Trans Only


Object Number: 56101  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Vehicle Speed Sensor Signal
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Engine Controls Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0122, and P0123 not set.
    • Engine speed is between 1700 and 3600 RPM.
    • Throttle position (TP) is between 0-1 percent.
    • Engine vacuum is between 80-70 kPa.
    • Above conditions met for 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h).
    • Engine speed is between 1700 and 3600 RPM.
    • Throttle Position (TP) is between 0-1%.
    • Engine vacuum is between 80-70 kPa.
    • Above conditions met for 5 seconds.
    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0122, and P0123 not set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Vehicle speed is less than 3 km/h (2 mph).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic fails. The Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers will store this information.
    • A history DTC stores.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will turn OFF after 3 consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
    • Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A scan tool should indicate a vehicle speed whenever the drive wheels are turning greater than 3 mph (5 km/h). A DTC P0502 can be falsely set if the engine is braked-torqued in gear. Disregard if the DTC set while the drive wheels are not turning.
    • A poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation, or a wire that is broken inside the insulation may cause an Intermittent problem.
    • Thoroughly check the VSS high and VSS low circuits for backed out terminals, broken locks, and for proper routing.
    • Refer to Symptoms .

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.

  2. The permanent magnet generator only produces a signal if the drive wheels are turning greater than 3 mph (5 km/h). This step determines if DTC P0502 is the result of a hard malfunction or an intermittent condition.

  3. Proper engine loads cannot be achieved in a shop environment to properly run the vehicle within the Freeze Frame Data conditions. It will be necessary to drive the vehicle on the road to obtain the proper engine loads.

  4. This step verifies that the PCM is receiving a signal from the vehicle speed sensor.

  5. Refer to service bulletin information for the latest calibration update.

  6. Refer to the latest Isuzu Technical Communication System (ITCS) information for programming procedures.

  7. A resistance reading that is higher than the specified value indicates that the VSS circuitry is open.

  8. If the displayed resistance were less than the 1300 ohms, the VSS high and low circuits are shorted together. If the resistance value is within the specified value, check the VSS high and low circuits for a short to ground.

  9. This checks the resistance of the VSS if no opens or shorts were found on the VSS high and low circuits.

  10. Replacement PCMs must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be performed. Refer to the latest Isuzu Technical Communication System (ITCS) information for programming procedures and also refer to the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn .

DTC P0502-Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Input (Manual Trans.)

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Install a scan tool.
  3. Raise the drive wheels.
  4. Allow the engine to idle in gear.

Does the scan tool display vehicle speed above the specified value?

0 mph

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Review the Freeze Frame data and note the parameters.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions For Setting The DTC as noted.

Does the scan tool display the vehicle speed above the specified value?

0 mph

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connectors.
  3. Connect a DMM between the VSS high and the VSS low terminals.
  4. Rotate the drive wheels and measure the AC voltage.

Is the AC voltage greater than or equal to the specified value?

0.5V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 7

5

Check for the most current calibration ID. number.

Is the latest calibration ID. in the vehicle?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Update the PCM with the latest calibration ID.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

7

Measure the resistance between the VSS high and VSS low at the PCM electrical connector terminals.

Is the resistance greater than the specified value?

1950ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Check the VSS high circuit for an open and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

9

Was the resistance value within or equal to the specified value?

1300-1950ohms

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

Check the VSS high circuit for a short to ground or for being shorted together and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Remove the VSS.
  2. Measure the resistance in the VSS high and low terminals.

Is the resistance value within the specified value?

1300-1950ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). Refer to the VSS Replacement in Manual Transmission.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this diagnostic as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

Check if any additional DTCs are set.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK