GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Sunfire 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 2.4L 🢒 DTC P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Intermittent

Object Number: 590815 Size: SF
Automatic Transmission Components
Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The automatic transmission output (shaft) speed sensor (AT OSS) provides vehicle speed information to the PCM. The AT OSS is a permanent magnet (PM) generator mounted to the transmission case. The PM generator produces an AC voltage as the transmission speed sensor rotor teeth pass through the sensor's magnetic field. The AC voltage level increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. The PCM converts the AC voltage into a digital signal. The PCM uses the vehicle speed signal to determine shift timing, torque converter clutch (TCC) apply, TCC release, and gear ratio calculations.

When the PCM detects a loss of vehicle speed while the vehicle is in motion, then DTC P0503 sets. DTC P0503 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • No TFP manual valve position switch DTC P1810.
    • The engine is running.
    • The time since the gear select lever change is greater than 6 seconds.
    • An increase in output speed of 500 RPM or greater has not occurred for greater than 5 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

Output speed drops greater than 1,200 RPM for 3 seconds.

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 maximum line pressure.
    • The PCM freezes shift adapts from being updated.
    • The PCM calculates output speed from input speed, engine speed, and commanded gear.
    • 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 the connectors at the PCM, the AT OSS and all other circuit connecting points for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect the circuit wiring for an intermittent condition. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems.
    • Inspect for a damaged AT OSS. Inspect for damaged transmission rotor teeth.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the ability of the AT OSS to produce an AC voltage. This step also verifies the integrity of the wiring to the PCM.

    2.

  2. This step tests the AT OSS circuit for correct resistance.

DTC P0503 Output Speed Sensor Circuit -- Intermittent

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (2.2L) or Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check (2.4L)

2

  1. Install a Scan Tool .
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: Before clearing the DTC, use the Scan Tool to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.

  3. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
  4. Clear the DTC.

    5. 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.

  5. Raise and support the drive wheels.
  6. Start and idle the engine.
  7. Place the transmission in DRIVE.
  8. Select Transmission OSS on the Scan Tool .

With the drive wheels rotating, does Transmission OSS increase when the wheel speed increases?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM connectors C1 and C2.
  3. Using the J 35616 connector test adapter kit, connect the J 39200 digital multimeter (DMM) between PCM terminals C1-64 and C2-61.
  4. Select AC volts.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Rotate the right front drive wheel by hand.
  7. Observe the J 39200 DMM display.

Can a voltage greater than the specified value be obtained?

0.5 V AC

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Leave the J 39200 DMM test leads connected.
  2. Measure circuit resistance.

Is the circuit resistance within the specified range?

1530-1870 ohms

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Is the circuit resistance greater than the specified value?

1870 ohms

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Leave the J 39200 DMM test leads connected.
  2. Disconnect the AT OSS connector at the transmission.

Is the circuit resistance less than the specified value?

1530 ohms

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 13

7

Test the signal circuit (CKT 400) and the ground circuit (CKT  401) of the AT OSS for being shorted together.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

8

Test the signal circuit (CKT 400) of the AT OSS for a short to ground.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Reconnect PCM connectors C1 and C2 .
  2. Select DC volts.
  3. Using the J 35616 , connect the J 39200 DMM test leads to terminals A and B of the AT OSS connector end.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the DMM display system voltage?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

10

Test the signal circuit (CKT 400) of the AT OSS for a short to voltage.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

--

11
  1. Test the signal circuit (CKT 400) of the AT OSS for an open.
  2. Test the ground circuit (CKT 401) of the AT OSS for an open.

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct a condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

12
  1. Remove the AT OSS.

    2. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

  2. Inspect the AT OSS and the transmission for the following conditions:
    3. • Incorrect AT OSS
    • AT OSS damage
    • Excessive AT OSS to speed sensor rotor gap
    • Incorrect speed sensor rotor alignment
    • Speed sensor rotor damage
  3. Repair any of the above conditions as necessary.

Refer to Transmission Overhaul in the 4T40E/4T45-E section of the Transmission Unit Repair Manual.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 15

--

13

Replace the AT OSS.

Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the PCM.

Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming (2.2L) or Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming (2.4L) in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15

Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Road test the vehicle and ensure that the AT OSS operates.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0503.

Has the test run and passed?

--

System OK

Go to Step 1