GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Signal

P0500

P0500

P0500

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Circuit/System Description

The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) also called the output speed sensor (OSS) creates a AC voltage signal that increases in frequency as vehicle speed increases. The transmission control module (TCM) receives and processes this signal. The TCM provides a digital VSS signal on the data communication line to the engine control module (ECM) and other controllers connected to the data line. The TCM also provides an identical VSS signal on a separate circuit to the ECM. The ECM will test and compare the two signals for being identical and valid.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • No MAP sensor DTCs are set.
    • No TP sensor DTCs are set.
    • The engine vacuum is 0-105 kPa (0-15 psi).
    • The engine torque is 54-542 N·m (40-400 lb ft).
    • The TP angle is greater than 12 percent.
    • The engine speed is greater than 3,000 RPM.
    • The transmission is not in PARK or NEUTRAL.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The signal is interrupted for more than 3 seconds.
    • The transmission output speed is greater than 278 km/h (173 mph).

Action Taken when the DTC Sets

DTC P0500 is a type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0500 is a type B DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. If DTCs P0722 or P0723 are set, diagnose those DTCs first.
  2. Observe the TCM output speed signal parameters and the ECM speed signal parameters with a scan tool, while driving the vehicle. Both parameter values should be identical.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the TCM harness connector.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the signal circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  3. If less than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5 volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. If all the circuits test normal, replace the TCM.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification.

    •  Engine Control Module Replacement.
    •  Transmission Control Module Replacement.
    •  Transmission Control Module Programming and Setup.