P0500Powertrain
Powertrain · SAE
Vehicle Speed Sensor — No Signal
Meaning
The ECU receives no valid vehicle speed signal. The value comes from the speed sensor or the ABS sensors over the network; its absence affects many speed-dependent functions.
Common causes
- Faulty vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
- Broken wiring or corroded connector
- Fault in ABS sensors or the network carrying the data
- Damaged tone ring
- ABS module problem transmitting the speed
Symptoms
- Speedometer dead or incorrect
- Check engine light and often ABS/ESP lights on
- Automatic transmission shifting harshly or wrongly
- Cruise control unavailable
- Electric power steering heavier
Severity
Moderate/serious: many aids (ABS, ESP, transmission, cruise) depend on speed; fix for safety and driveability.
What to do
- Check the speed signal with the scan tool while driving
- Inspect the VSS sensor, wiring and connector
- Check the ABS sensors and their codes
- Verify the integrity of the network carrying the speed data