AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0502 Pontiac

P0502 Pontiac Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input

Quick Answer

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) assembly provides vehicle speed information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). 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
P0502 Pontiac indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input .
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 13,468
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0502 Pontiac Description

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) assembly provides vehicle speed information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The VSS assembly is a Permanent Magnet (PM) generator. The PM generator produces a pulsing AC voltage as rotor teeth on the transmission output shaft pass through the sensor's magnetic field. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The PCM converts the pulsing voltage to vehicle speed. The PCM uses the vehicle speed signal to determine shift timing and torque converter clutch (TCC) scheduling.
OBDII Code P0502 Pontiac - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input  - AutoCodes.com
P0502 Pontiac Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0502 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 P0502 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 P0502 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.

Need more information about the P0502 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0502 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0502 Pontiac 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 P0502 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0502 on a Pontiac?

- Common symptoms include issues with the speedometer, erratic speedometer readings, cruise control not working, and the transmission not shifting properly.

2. What are the possible causes of the P0502 code on a Pontiac?

- The P0502 code is typically caused by a malfunctioning vehicle speed sensor, a faulty speedometer, damaged wiring or connectors in the speed sensor circuit, or a defective powertrain control module (PCM).

3. How can I diagnose the P0502 code on my Pontiac?

- A professional diagnosis using a scan tool is recommended to properly diagnose the P0502 code. The technician will inspect the vehicle speed sensor, wiring, connectors, and the PCM for any faults.

4. Is it safe to drive with the P0502 code on a Pontiac?

- It is not recommended to drive with the P0502 code present as it can lead to inaccurate speed readings and potential transmission issues, impacting the safety and performance of the vehicle.

5. Can I repair the P0502 code on my Pontiac myself?

- Depending on your automotive repair experience, you may be able to replace the vehicle speed sensor or repair wiring issues yourself. However, for a proper diagnosis and repair, it is advisable to seek professional help.

6. What are some tips for fixing the P0502 code on a Pontiac?

- Tips for resolving the P0502 code include checking the condition of the vehicle speed sensor, inspecting wiring for damage, ensuring connectors are secure, and clearing the code after the repair is completed.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0502 on my Pontiac make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing the P0502 code is not addressed, the code is likely to return after driving the vehicle again.

8. How much does it cost to repair the P0502 code on a Pontiac?

- The cost of repairing the P0502 code on a Pontiac can vary depending on the specific issue causing the code, the parts needed for repair, and labor costs. It is recommended to obtain a diagnosis and estimate from a qualified mechanic.

9. Can a faulty vehicle speed sensor cause other problems besides the P0502 code?

- Yes, a malfunctioning vehicle speed sensor can cause a range of issues such as incorrect speedometer readings, erratic shifting of the transmission, and problems with the cruise control system.

10. Is the P0502 code specific to Pontiac vehicles or can it occur in other car brands?

- The P0502 OBDII code related to the vehicle speed sensor circuit low input can occur in various vehicle makes and models, not just limited to Pontiac vehicles.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0502 Pontiac OBDII Code

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