AutoCodes – GMC – P0500 GMC

P0500 GMC Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit

Quick Answer

A toothed wheel mounted on the output shaft of the transmission generates an AC voltage pulse as it moves past the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). 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 GMC indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit.
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.

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Code Popularity 13,977

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0500 GMC Description

A toothed wheel mounted on the output shaft of the transmission generates an AC voltage pulse as it moves past the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS contains a permanent magnet surrounded by a coil of wire, which produces a magnetic field. The toothed wheel interrupts the magnetic field this generates an AC voltage pulse. As the vehicle speed increases the AC voltage pulse rate also increases. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of these pulse signals.

OBDII Code P0500 GMC - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0500 GMC Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 GMC?

Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor
Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted
Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P0500 GMC?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0500 GMC 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.

Need more information about the P0500 GMC code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0500 GMC code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0500 GMC Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0500 mean on a GMC vehicle?

P0500 indicates a malfunction in the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) circuit, which could affect the speedometer and transmission performance.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0500 in a GMC?

Symptoms include an inoperative speedometer, erratic transmission shifting, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential ABS or traction control warnings.

3. What causes the P0500 code in GMC vehicles?

Common causes include a faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning control module, or an issue with the wheel speed sensors.

4. Can driving with a P0500 code damage my GMC vehicle?

Driving with a P0500 code can lead to transmission issues, reduced performance, and unsafe driving conditions due to speedometer failure.

5. How do I diagnose the P0500 code on my GMC?

Diagnose by scanning the vehicle with an OBDII tool, inspecting the VSS wiring and connectors, and testing the sensor for proper function.

6. How do I fix the P0500 code on a GMC?

Repairs may include replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming the control module.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P0500 code on a GMC?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $100-$300 for parts and labor, depending on the severity of the issue.

8. Can a bad Vehicle Speed Sensor cause transmission problems in a GMC?

Yes, a faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor can cause erratic shifting or failure to shift properly, as the transmission relies on speed data.

9. Will clearing the P0500 code fix the issue on my GMC?

Clearing the code will reset the check engine light, but the underlying problem must be addressed to prevent the code from returning.

10. Can I test the Vehicle Speed Sensor myself to diagnose P0500?

Yes, you can test the sensor using a multimeter to check for voltage and resistance or inspect for physical damage.

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