P0500 Ford Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
Quick Answer
The vehicle speed sensor outputs a 4 pulse signal for every revolution of the rotor shaft, which is rotated by the transmission output shaft via the driven gear. Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted, Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- P0500 Ford indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted, Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code P0500 Ford Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 Ford?
- Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted
- Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
How to Fix the DTC P0500 Ford?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
Code Tech Notes
1998-2002 Ford Crown Victoria
1998-2002 Ford Mustang
1998-2002 Ford Taurus
1998-1999 F-250 LD
1998-2001 Ford Explorer
1998-2002 Ford E SERIES
1998-2002 Ford Expedition
1998-2002 Ford F-150
1998-2002 Ford Ranger
1998-2002 Ford Windstar
1999-2002 Ford Super Duty F Series
2000-2002 Ford Excursion
2000-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ford Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0500
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0500 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
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Information for Specific Ford Models
- P0500 1997 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 1998 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 1999 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 2000 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 2001 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 2002 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 2003 Ford F150 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0500 2006 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2007 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2008 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2009 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2010 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2011 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
- P0500 2012 Ford Fusion — Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'
Frequently Asked Questions about P0500 Ford Code
1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0500 in a Ford related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'?
- Common symptoms include erratic speedometer readings, inoperative cruise control, harsh shifting of the transmission, and an illuminated Check Engine light.
2. What are the typical causes of OBDII code P0500 in a Ford related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'?
- The most common causes are a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the speed sensor circuit, or issues with the vehicle's ECM.
3. How can I diagnose the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' issue causing OBDII code P0500 in my Ford?
- You can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the code, visually inspect the speed sensor and its wiring for damage, and perform electrical tests to check for proper sensor operation.
4. Can a Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' issue causing OBDII code P0500 in a Ford be repaired at home?
- Yes, depending on the exact cause, you may be able to replace the speed sensor yourself or repair damaged wiring. However, complex ECM issues may require professional diagnosis and repair.
5. Are there any DIY tips for fixing OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford?
- Ensure the speed sensor is securely mounted, clean the sensor and its connections, check for loose or damaged wiring, and conduct a continuity test on the sensor circuit.
6. How critical is it to address OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford promptly?
- It is important to address this issue promptly as it can affect the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. Ignoring the problem may lead to further damage or safety hazards.
7. Can driving with OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford cause any long-term damage?
- Continuing to drive with this issue may lead to transmission problems, inaccurate speed readings, and potential safety concerns. It is advisable to address the problem promptly.
8. Is it safe to reset the Check Engine light after resolving OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford?
- Yes, once the issue has been fixed, you can reset the Check Engine light using a diagnostic scanner to clear the error code from the vehicle's system.
9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford at a professional mechanic or dealership?
- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor at a professional repair facility.
10. Can OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' in a Ford cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?
- Yes, unresolved issues related to this code can affect the vehicle's emissions control system, potentially leading to a failed emissions test. It is important to address the problem before undergoing emissions testing.
1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0500 for a Ford vehicle?
- Common symptoms include erratic speedometer readings, inoperative cruise control, harsh shifting in automatic transmission vehicles, and an illuminated check engine light.
2. What does the OBDII code P0500 indicate in a Ford vehicle?
- OBDII code P0500 indicates a malfunction in the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A', which is responsible for providing the vehicle's speed information to the engine control module.
3. What are possible causes of OBDII code P0500 in a Ford vehicle?
- Possible causes of OBDII code P0500 include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, corroded terminals, or issues with the speedometer itself.
4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0500 in my Ford vehicle?
- You can diagnose OBDII code P0500 by checking the vehicle speed sensor for proper operation, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and testing the speedometer for accuracy.
5. Can I drive my Ford vehicle with OBDII code P0500?
- While it may be possible to drive the vehicle with OBDII code P0500, it is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate speed readings and potential transmission issues. It is advised to address the problem promptly.
6. How do I repair OBDII code P0500 in my Ford vehicle?
- To repair OBDII code P0500, you may need to replace the vehicle speed sensor, repair any damaged wiring or connectors, and clear the code from the engine control module using an OBDII scanner.
7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0500 in a Ford vehicle?
- Depending on your mechanical skills and experience, it may be possible to fix OBDII code P0500 yourself by following repair guides or tutorials. However, professional assistance is recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair.
8. What are the implications of ignoring OBDII code P0500 in a Ford vehicle?
- Ignoring OBDII code P0500 can lead to inaccurate speed readings, potential transmission issues, and decreased fuel efficiency. It is important to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage.
9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0500 in a Ford vehicle?
- The time to repair OBDII code P0500 in a Ford vehicle can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the complexity of the repair. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to complete the repair.
10. Is OBDII code P0500 a common issue in Ford vehicles?
- OBDII code P0500 related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' is a relatively common issue in Ford vehicles, especially in older models. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent this issue from occurring.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0500 Ford OBDII Code
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Only information about the Speed Sensor in the service manual, is that the signal is from the ABS sensor on the differential. There is a factory service bulletin for that code on your Ranger. The code suggest that the problem could be the ignition lock. See "Tech Notes" above for the link to the bulletin.
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I got a 2001 sport trac and the speedometer oddometer and the cruise control does'nt work
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Where would I find a speed sensor on a 2001 ford galaxy? Just just came on and tested to have a p0500 code
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I got 1998 ford explorer and the speedometer odometer not working and abs light on and the emission test not pass have cod PO500
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Your explorer detects the vehicle speed by reading the signal from the "Wheel Speed Sensor" There is one wheel speed sensor on each wheel. Unfortunately the code doesn't indicate which is sensor is the bad one, you have check all the sensors.
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I have a 2003 Ford F350 turbo diesel my abs light is on and my speedometer and odometer are not working got the code P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor A. Also cruise control doesn't work. Is that the sensor on the rear differential? Or where is that sensor located?
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I have a 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 manual trans with 174K miles. The speedo died then would work if I banged on the dash. Now it won't work at all. I tried changing out the speed sensor with no luck. Changed the instrument cluster and got the same symptoms of no speedometer movement. I get voltage from the speed sensor to the instrument cluster so I think it must be no signal from the ECM since I got the same results with a different instrument cluster. Also got the P0500 code. Where would I check if the ECM is putting out a good signal or not?
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Unfortunately other than the speed sensor I have not seen anything else causing the problem you have. I also checked a national database of repairs and replacing the speed sensor takes care of the problem. Did you use new OEM parts?
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Turns out the problem had nothing to do with a bad speed sensor or my instrument cluster. It was a bad ground at the battery terminal. There is a little black box with some electrical connectors attached to the neg battery terminal. There was significant corrosion in those connectors creating resistance. It was so bad I could not seperate the connectors and ended up breaking the box apart. Once I cleaned up the ends and jerry rigged a way to connect them to the neg battery terminal the speedo started working again!
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Let me check if I can find more information specific for your vehicle. What model and year is your vehicle?
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Hi I have a Ford fiesta 2005 duratec
I have a big problem my car cuts out while driving changed fuel pump coil pack nothing helped
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