AutoCodes – Lincoln – P0500 Lincoln

P0500 Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.

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Code Popularity 10,983

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 29, 2020

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

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. After this signal is converted into a more precise rectangular waveform by the waveform shaping circuit inside the combination meter, it is then transmitted to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of these pulse signals.

OBDII Code P0500 Lincoln - Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' - AutoCodes.com — P0500 Lincoln Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A'

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0500 Lincoln?

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 Lincoln?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

There is a factory service bulletin for the following Lincoln models:
1998-2002 Lincoln Continental
1998-2002 Lincoln Town Car
1998-2002 Lincoln Navigator
2002 Lincoln Blackwood
Lincoln Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0500

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0500 Lincoln 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 Lincoln code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

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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 Lincoln Code

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

The P0500 code indicates a malfunction with the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) 'A', which is responsible for monitoring and reporting vehicle speed to the engine control module (ECM).

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0500 code on a Lincoln?

Symptoms may include a non-functional speedometer, erratic shifting in automatic transmissions, poor fuel economy, or the illumination of the check engine light.

3. What causes the P0500 code to appear on a Lincoln?

Common causes include a faulty vehicle speed sensor, damaged or corroded wiring, a bad ECM, or issues with the instrument cluster or related connectors.

4. Can I drive my Lincoln with the P0500 code?

Driving with the P0500 code is possible but not recommended, as it may affect transmission shifting, engine performance, and safety features like ABS.

5. How do I diagnose the P0500 code on a Lincoln?

Diagnosis involves checking the VSS for proper operation, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, and using a scan tool to monitor sensor signals and ECM functionality.

6. How do you fix the P0500 code on a Lincoln?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty vehicle speed sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.

7. Where is the Vehicle Speed Sensor located on a Lincoln?

The Vehicle Speed Sensor is typically located on the transmission or differential, depending on the Lincoln model and year.

8. Can a faulty VSS cause transmission problems in a Lincoln?

Yes, a faulty VSS can cause erratic shifting, delayed engagement, or limp mode in automatic transmissions due to incorrect speed information being sent to the ECM.

9. How much does it cost to fix the P0500 code on a Lincoln?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $300, depending on whether the issue is with the sensor, wiring, or ECM. Labor and part prices may vary by location and model.

10. Will clearing the P0500 code fix the problem on my Lincoln?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be diagnosed and repaired to prevent the code from returning.