DTC Troubleshooting
DTC P0500: VSS Circuit MalfunctionNOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information.
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
3. Test-drive under these conditions:
- Transmission in 3rd gear
- Engine speed between 2,000 - 4,000 rpm
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds
4. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0500 indicated?
YES - Go to step 5.
NO - Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VSS and the ECM.
5. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
6. Disconnect the VSS 3P connector.
7. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
8. Measure voltage between VSS 3P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.
Is there battery voltage?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Go to step 9.
9. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
10. Check the No. 3 IG METER (10 A) fuse in under-dash fuse/relay box.
Is the fuse blown?
YES - Repair short in the wire between the VSS and the No. 3 IG METER (10 A) fuse, and replace the No. 3 IG METER (10 A) fuse, then go to step 27.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the VSS and the No. 3 IG METER (10 A) fuse, then go to step 27.
11. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
12. Disconnect EPS control unit connector D (28P).
13. Disconnect the gauge control module 40P connector.
14. Disconnect the audio system 17P connector.
15. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
16. Measure voltage between VSS 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there about 5 V?
YES - Go to step 23.
NO - Go to step 17.
17. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
18. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
19. Disconnect ECM connector A (31P).
20. Check for continuity between VSS 3P connector terminal No. 3 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Repair short in the wire between the ECM (A18), the gauge control module, the EPS control unit, the audio system, and the VSS, then go to step 27.
NO - Go to step 21.
21. Connect VSS 3P connector terminal No. 3 to body ground with a jumper wire.
22. Check for continuity between ECM connector terminal A18 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Go to step 34.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the ECM (A18) and the VSS, then go to step 27.
23. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
24. Check for continuity between VSS 3P connector terminal No. 1 and body ground.
Is there continuity?
YES - Go to step 25.
NO - Repair open in the wire between the VSS and G101, then go to step 27.
25. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
26. Replace the VSS.
27. Reconnect all connectors.
28. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
29. Reset the ECM with the HDS.
30. Do the ECM idle learn procedure.
31. Test-drive under these conditions:
- Transmission in 3rd gear
- Engine speed between 2,000 - 4,000 rpm
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds
32. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0500 indicated?
YES - Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VSS and the ECM, then go to step 1.
NO - Go to step 33.
33. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0500 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs were indicated in step 32, go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VSS and the ECM, then go to step 1. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 31.
34. Reconnect all connectors.
35. Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM.
36. Test-drive under these conditions:
- Transmission in 3rd gear
- Engine speed between 2,000 - 4,000 rpm
- Drive for several minutes, then decelerate (with the throttle fully closed) for 5 seconds
37. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.
Is DTC P0500 indicated?
YES - Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VSS and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM, then go to step 36. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1.
NO - Go to step 38.
38. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P0500 in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
Does the screen indicate PASSED?
YES - If the ECM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the ECM was substituted, replace the original ECM. If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs were indicated in step 37, go to the indicated DTCs troubleshooting.
NO - If the screen indicates FAILED, check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VSS and the ECM. If the ECM was updated, substitute a known-good ECM, then go to step 36. If the ECM was substituted, go to step 1. If the screen indicates NOT COMPLETED, go to step 36.