P0500 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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.
Code P0500 Pontiac Description
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 Pontiac?
- 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 Pontiac?
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 Pontiac 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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Frequently Asked Questions about P0500 Pontiac Code
1. What does the OBDII code P0500 mean on a Pontiac?
P0500 indicates a malfunction in the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) circuit, which monitors the speed of the vehicle.
2. What are the common symptoms of a P0500 code in a Pontiac?
Symptoms may include an erratic or non-functional speedometer, poor shifting performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and illuminated ABS or Check Engine lights.
3. What causes the P0500 code to appear on a Pontiac?
Common causes include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning speedometer, or issues with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
4. Can you drive with a P0500 code in a Pontiac?
While the vehicle may still run, driving with a P0500 code can cause erratic performance and may lead to safety issues, especially if the speedometer or ABS system is affected.
5. How do you diagnose a P0500 code on a Pontiac?
Diagnosis involves visually inspecting the VSS, its wiring, and connectors, checking for continuity in the circuit, and testing the sensor output with a multimeter or scan tool.
6. How do you fix the P0500 code on a Pontiac?
Repairs may include replacing the faulty vehicle speed sensor, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connections, or updating/replacing the PCM if necessary.
7. How much does it cost to fix a P0500 code on a Pontiac?
The cost varies, but replacing a vehicle speed sensor typically ranges from $100 to $250, including parts and labor.
8. Can a bad speed sensor cause transmission problems in a Pontiac?
Yes, a faulty speed sensor can cause shifting issues since the transmission relies on speed readings for proper operation.
9. Does a P0500 code affect the ABS system in a Pontiac?
It might, as some ABS systems use speed sensor data to function. If the data is inaccurate or unavailable, the ABS warning light may come on.
10. How do you prevent a P0500 code from reoccurring on a Pontiac?
Regular maintenance, such as checking the condition of wiring and connectors and promptly addressing speed sensor issues, can help prevent this code from returning.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0500 Pontiac OBDII Code
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I replaced the vehicle speed sensor with a cheap part from parts geek and didn't resolve the issue, so I bought an OEM part and issue is still not resolved. The wiring and connection looks good. No visible damage. Thinking about changing the PCM next but it would be nice to know if that will fix my problem before proceeding :/
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Let me check if I can find more information and possible cause of the problem. What model and year is your vehicle?
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