Diagnostic Instructions
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit
DTC P0501: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Performance
DTC P0502: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Voltage
DTC P0503: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent
Circuit/System Description
The transmission control module (TCM) provides the engine control module (ECM) vehicle speed information through the high-speed communication 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
| • | Engine coolant temperature is more than 39.8°C (104°F). |
| • | No engine coolant temperature DTC is set. |
| • | No engine speed sensor DTC is set. |
| • | The DTCs run continuously once the above condition is met. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0500
The ECM detects the vehicle speed is less than 5 km/h (3 MPH) for more than 5 s.
P0501
The ECM detects the CAN signal is not valid for more than 2 s.
P0502
The ECM detects the actual vehicle speed is equal to the last vehicle speed for more than 10 s.
P0503
The ECM detects the vehicle speed is greater than 275 km/h (171 MPH) for more than 0.2 s.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | DTCs P0500, P0502, and P0503 are Type B DTCs. |
| • | DTC P0501 is a Type C DTC. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | DTCs P0500, P0502, and P0503 are Type B DTCs. |
| • | DTC P0501 is a Type C DTC. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views
Electrical Information Reference
Description and Operation
Transmission Component and System Description
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
- Ignition On, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. Verify no TCM or communication DTCs are set.
- Raise the drive wheels.
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.
- Support the lower control arms so that the drive axles are in a horizontal position.
- Engine running, place the transmission into 2nd gear.
- Observe the scan tool Vehicle Speed parameter. The following should display a similar vehicle speed once the drive wheels are at a speed above 5 km/h (3 MPH):
| • | The scan tool Vehicle Speed parameter. |
- 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.
| ⇒ | If the DTC resets, replace the ECM. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the
Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
