With ZF S6-650 M/T

DTC P0500 (8.1L)





Circuit Description
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) assembly provides vehicle speed information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The VSS assembly is a permanent magnet generator. The VSS produces alternating current (AC) as the rotor teeth on the output shaft of the transmission, 2WD, or transfer case, 4WD, pass through the magnetic field of the sensor. The frequency and amplitude of the AC waveform increase as vehicle speed increases.

If the PCM detects no vehicle speed for a specified length of time, while other sensors indicate that the vehicle is moving, DTC P0500 sets. DTC P0500 is a type B DTC.

DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC
^ No MAP DTCs P0106, P0107 or P0108.
^ No ECT DTCs P0117 or P0118.
^ No TP sensor DTCs P0120 or P0220.
^ No idle system DTCs P0506 or P0507.
^ The ECT is 35°C (95°F) or greater.
^ The TP sensor angle is 5-100 percent.
^ The engine speed is greater than 1,000 RPM.
^ The MAP is 40-100 kPa with A/C off.
^ The MAP is 45-100 kPa with A/C on.
^ All the above conditions are met for more than 2 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The PCM detects no vehicle speed for 50 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 disables Cruise Control.
^ 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 P0500 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 the DTC passes.

Diagnostic Aids
Ensure the VSS is correctly torqued to the transmission housing.

Test Description








The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
4. The vehicle speed detector in the PCM and the VSS are matched in such a way that an open or a short to ground in the VSS low signal circuit will not usually cause a loss of speed signal or a DTC P0500 to set.
8. This step isolates the short between the VSS and the wiring.