DTC P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Malfunction (Esteem)
NOTE:
Diagnostic testing procedures for Swift are not available.
- Connect scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). Test drive vehicle. Observe speedometer. If speedometer operates, go to next step. If speedometer does not operate, go to step 4 .
- If vehicle speed and scan tool display are not the same, turn ignition off and go to next step. If vehicle speed and scan tool display are the same, problem is intermittent or due to a faulty PCM. Go to INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
- Remove instrument panel. See appropriate INSTRUMENT PANELS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage (backprobe) between ground and VSS terminal of instrument cluster harness connector. See Fig 1 . If reading is 4-6 volts, replace speedometer. If reading is not 4-6 volts, check VSS circuit (Violet wire) for an open or short to ground. Repair as necessary. If wire is okay, replace PCM. Retest system.
- Remove VSS from transaxle. Inspect VSS gear for damage or binding. Replace as necessary. Measure resistance between VSS sensor terminals. Resistance should be 300-450 ohms at 68°F (20°C). If resistance is not as specified, replace VSS. If resistance is as specified, go to next step.
- Disconnect ohmmeter. Rotate VSS gear by hand. Magnetic pulse resistance should be felt as VSS is rotated. If operation is not as specified, replace VSS. If operation is as specified, check Violet/Yellow wire between VSS and speedometer for an open or short to ground. Check Black/Orange wire and Black wire for an open. Repair wiring as necessary and retest system. If connections and wiring are okay, replace speedometer and retest system.