AutoCodesNissan – P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) receives vehicle speed signals from two different paths via CAN communication line: One is from the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Actuator and Electric Unit (Control Unit) via the combination unit and the other is from Transmission Control Module (TCM). Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted. 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor, Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted.
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 4,697
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 21, 2020
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Code P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) receives vehicle speed signals from two different paths via CAN communication line: One is from the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Actuator and Electric Unit (Control Unit) via the combination unit and the other is from Transmission Control Module (TCM).
OBDII Code P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder - Vehicle Speed Sensor - AutoCodes.com
P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

  • Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor
  • Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
  • Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted
  • Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0500 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0500 mean on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

P0500 indicates a malfunction in the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) circuit, meaning the ECM is not receiving proper speed signal data.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0500 in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Symptoms include erratic or non-functioning speedometer, poor transmission shifting, ABS light activation, and decreased fuel efficiency.

3. What causes the P0500 code in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Common causes include a faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning PCM/ECM, or issues with the ABS system.

4. Can I drive my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with a P0500 code?

Driving is possible, but it may lead to unsafe conditions due to inaccurate speed readings and improper transmission performance. It’s best to address the issue promptly.

5. How do I diagnose the P0500 code on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Start by inspecting the Vehicle Speed Sensor and its wiring for damage, check the speedometer operation, and use a scan tool to monitor VSS signal data.

6. How do I fix the P0500 code on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Repairs may involve replacing the faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming/updating the ECM if necessary.

7. Where is the Vehicle Speed Sensor located on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

The Vehicle Speed Sensor is typically mounted on the transmission housing, near the output shaft.

8. Can a faulty ABS sensor cause a P0500 code in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Yes, since the ABS system and Vehicle Speed Sensor are related, issues with an ABS sensor or its wiring may trigger a P0500 code.

9. Will clearing the code with a scan tool fix the P0500 issue?

Clearing the code may remove the warning temporarily, but the underlying issue must be addressed to prevent the code from returning.

10. How much does it cost to repair a P0500 code on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, but replacing a Vehicle Speed Sensor typically costs $100–$250, including parts and labor.

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