GarageGuideVehicle speed sensor
P0500 Code: Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction
P0500 stands for "Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction." The vehicle speed sensor tells the car's computers how fast you are going. That signal drives the speedometer and is also used by the transmission to decide when to shift, by the cruise control, and on many cars by the ABS and traction control.
P0500 means the computer is getting no speed signal, or one that does not make sense. Depending on the car, the speed signal may come from a sensor on the transmission or from the ABS wheel speed sensors, so the right place to look varies by vehicle.
A wrong or dead speedometer makes it easy to speed by accident, and erratic shifting can make the car behave unpredictably. ABS and traction control may also be disabled, which matters on wet or icy roads.
You can usually drive carefully. Use a phone GPS app to see your speed, leave extra following distance since ABS may be off, and avoid relying on cruise control. If shifting becomes very harsh or the car stays in one gear, get it checked soon.
Symptoms you might notice
- Speedometer not working, stuck at zero, or jumping around
- Odometer not counting miles
- Harsh, late, or erratic automatic transmission shifts
- Cruise control not working
- ABS or traction control warning light on some vehicles
- Check engine light on
Common causes
Failed speed sensor
The sensor on the transmission (or the wheel speed sensor that supplies the signal) can fail electrically or be damaged.
Damaged wiring or connector
Wiring under the car is exposed to road debris, heat, and corrosion.
Debris on the sensor
Many speed sensors are magnetic and can collect metal particles that weaken the signal.
Damaged reluctor or tone ring
The toothed ring the sensor reads can crack or be damaged.
Wheel speed sensor problem
On cars that use ABS sensors for vehicle speed, a failed wheel speed sensor can set P0500 along with ABS codes.
Instrument cluster or computer fault
Less commonly, the problem is in the cluster or a module rather than the sensor.
Before you buy parts
P0500 has different sources on different cars. Find out where your car gets its speed signal before buying a sensor, and check the wiring and connector first. If the ABS light is also on, the problem may be a wheel speed sensor rather than a transmission sensor.
What to check
- Note what else is not working. A dead speedometer plus ABS light points toward a wheel speed sensor; a dead speedometer plus odd shifting points toward the transmission speed sensor.
- Look up where your car gets its speed signal: a transmission output speed sensor, or the ABS wheel speed sensors.
- Inspect the sensor's connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or a loose connection.
- If the sensor is easy to remove, check its tip for metal debris or damage.
- A scan tool can show the vehicle speed reading while driving, and the ABS wheel speeds, to pinpoint which sensor is not reporting.
Possible repairs
Replace the vehicle speed sensor
Transmission-mounted speed sensors are often held by a single bolt and are a reasonable DIY job on many cars.
Replace a wheel speed sensor
If the ABS wheel speed sensor is the source, replacing it often fixes both the speedometer and the ABS light.
Repair wiring or connector
Fixing damaged wiring restores the signal without a new sensor.
Clean the sensor tip
If debris is weakening the signal, cleaning it may help.
Cluster or module repair
If the sensor and wiring are good, a shop can check the instrument cluster and modules.
Parts and tools that may help
Enter your year, make and model on the store's site to see parts that fit your car.
GarageGuide may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Always check that a part fits your exact vehicle before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0500?
Usually, carefully. Use a GPS app for your speed, leave extra following distance in case ABS is off, and get it fixed soon.
Why is my speedometer not working?
A failed vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring, or on some cars a bad ABS wheel speed sensor are the usual causes.
Can a speed sensor affect shifting?
Yes. Automatic transmissions use vehicle speed to decide when to shift, so a bad signal can cause harsh, late, or erratic shifts.
Is P0500 related to the ABS light?
On many cars, yes. Vehicle speed often comes from the ABS wheel speed sensors, so one failed sensor can trigger both.
How much does it cost to fix P0500?
A speed sensor is usually moderately priced and often easy to replace. Wiring repairs vary, and cluster problems are less common and cost more.