P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A"
The engine computer is not getting a usable road speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor.
What P0500 means
The vehicle speed sensor tells the engine computer how fast the car is moving. RepairPal explains that the signal is shared with the speedometer, transmission, ABS, traction control and power steering systems, and that the sensor can sit on the transmission output shaft, the rear differential, a wheel hub or the speedometer drive. P0500 sets when the computer sees no speed signal, or a signal that does not make sense, while other inputs show the car is moving. A failed sensor and damaged wiring are the usual causes. On many newer cars, road speed comes from the ABS wheel speed sensors, so a bad wheel sensor or ABS module can trigger this code. Without speed data, the transmission may shift harshly or at the wrong time and cruise control usually stops working. KBB warns that if ABS and traction control are affected, driving in bad weather is unsafe. Shops compare speed readings from each source on a scan tool and test the sensor output while the wheels turn.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Speedometer reads zero or jumps around
- Harsh, late or erratic shifting
- ABS or traction control light on
- Cruise control not working
Most common causes
- Failed vehicle speed sensor
- Damaged or corroded sensor wiring or connector
- Faulty wheel speed sensor on cars that use ABS for road speed
- Damaged reluctor or drive gear for the sensor
- Instrument cluster or module communication fault
What to check yourself first
Note whether the speedometer works; a dead speedometer plus P0500 points to the speed signal itself. Check the sensor connector on the transmission or differential for oil, dirt or damage. Look for ABS codes too, since many cars share wheel speed data.
Typical fixes and what they cost
| Fix | Typical cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Replace vehicle speed sensor | $395-$506 | For a transmission or differential mounted speed sensor. |
| Replace wheel speed sensor | $234-$310 | On cars that take road speed from the ABS wheel speed sensors. |
| Electrical diagnosis to find a wiring or connector fault | $122-$179 | For broken wires or a corroded connector. |
Typical US price ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. Your shop should confirm the cause with a diagnostic before replacing parts.
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Related codes
- P0700 Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
- P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor "A" Circuit
- P0720 Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit
- U0121 Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module
- P0841 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Range/Performance