AutoCodes – Nissan – P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

Quick Answer

When the sensor rotor rotates, the magnetic field changes. Common causes include Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted, Wheel 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 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted, Wheel 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 14,431
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 14, 2024
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Description

When the sensor rotor rotates, the magnetic field changes. It converts the magnetic field changes to current signals (rectangular wave) and transmits them to the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Actuator and Electric Unit (Control Unit). The vehicle speed signal is sent to the combination meter from the ABS Actuator and Electric Unit (Control Unit) by Controlled Area Network (CAN) communication line. The combination meter then sends a signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM) by CAN communication line.
OBDII Code P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan - Vehicle Speed Sensor - AutoCodes.com
P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

  • Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
  • Wheel speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted
  • Wheel speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Control Unit
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

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

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan 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 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What does OBDII code P0500 mean for a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Code P0500 indicates a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor circuit, specifically the speed sensor "A."

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Common symptoms include erratic speedometer readings, inoperative cruise control, harsh shifting, and an illuminated ABS or traction control light.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Potential causes include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the speed sensor circuit, or issues with the speedometer itself.

4. How can I diagnose a P0500 code in my 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the vehicle speed sensor and its wiring for damage, testing the sensor's resistance, and checking for signal output using a multimeter.

5. Can a vehicle speed sensor be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?

In most cases, a faulty vehicle speed sensor will need to be replaced rather than repaired to resolve the P0500 code and associated issues.

6. Is it safe to continue driving with a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

While the vehicle may still be driveable with a P0500 code, it is important to address the issue promptly to avoid potential transmission problems or safety hazards.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the underlying cause, but replacing a faulty vehicle speed sensor in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan typically ranges from $150 to $300 including parts and labor.

8. Can a P0500 code be triggered by issues other than the vehicle speed sensor?

Yes, while the vehicle speed sensor is the most common culprit, a P0500 code can also be triggered by problems in the speed sensor circuit, such as damaged wiring or connectors.

9. Will resetting the OBDII system clear a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

Resetting the OBDII system may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue with the vehicle speed sensor remains unresolved, the code is likely to reappear.

10. How long does it take to repair a P0500 code in a 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan?

The repair time for a P0500 code can vary depending on the exact cause and the availability of parts, but it typically takes around 1-2 hours for a professional mechanic to diagnose and replace the vehicle speed sensor.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0500 2011 Nissan Altima Sedan OBDII Code

  • I have a 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 and I have code p0500 . My car starts to jerk n I loose all acceleration . Normally I turn the car off or even disconnect battery terminals and it will eventually reset but this is temporary, can anybody show me a pic of how this sensor looks and where it is located

  • Unfortunately there is more that one sensor that could trigger this code. The Engine Control Module (ECM) receives vehicle speed signals from two different paths: One is from the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) via the combination unit and the other is from Transmission Control Module (TCM).

    For your vehicle here are the components that could trigger the code:
    β€’ Combination meter (gauges)
    β€’ ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit)
    β€’ Wheel sensor (One of the sensor)
    β€’ Transmission Control Module (TCM).
    β€’ Output speed sensor

    Do you have any other symptoms or had any accidents with your Altima?

  • 2011 altima sedan have had no issues and just replaced all four tires now service engine soon on as well as some tranction light and it wont shift out of low gear? could it be something they got too close to in changing the tires or oil? is it possible it came loose?
    codes that showed up were p0500 p9720
    drives smooth only it wont get out of the low gear

  • How long ago did you replaced the tires? The sensor is on the transmission and nothing near the tires, but if the code came on right (same day) after the tires installation, then they could have damage a wire during the installation or while lifting your Altima.

  • Thank you so much I had never seen the traction notice ever but it is still on

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play