P0500 code meaning
Vehicle Speed Sensor A Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P05xx codes Check engine light
What P0500 means
The vehicle speed signal A comes, depending on the maker, from a sensor on the gearbox, the transmission output speed, the wheel speeds via ABS/ESP or a CAN message; CARB explicitly names it as an input to be monitored. P0500 is the general code for this signal. Ford checks plausibility: the car must be moving (high load, positive torque), yet the signal stays below 1–5 mph for 5 s; Ford diesels flag a missing CAN message after 0.5 s. GM's Saturn ION of 2004 used high load with below 3 mph for 6.2 s (MIL after two trips); GM's 2018 tables use P0502/P0503 instead. Cruise control is then disabled and substitute values are used.
P0500 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0500
- Check engine light on
- Speedometer dead or jumping
- Cruise control not working
- Automatic shifts harshly or wrongly
Common causes of P0500
- Most likelyABS/ESP module or wheel speed sensor faulty (signal source)
- Most likelyOutput speed sensor or vehicle speed sensor faulty or dirty (metal debris on the magnet)
- PossibleWire or connector open or shorted, corrosion
- PossibleCAN communication fault (message missing)
- Less likelyWrong tire or axle data programmed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Vehicle speed sensorABS moduleSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0500 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 00 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0500 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0500
What does P0500 mean?
P0500 means "Vehicle Speed Sensor A Circuit". The vehicle speed signal A comes, depending on the maker, from a sensor on the gearbox, the transmission output speed, the wheel speeds via ABS/ESP or a CAN message; CARB explicitly names it as an input to be monitored. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0500?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0500 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0500 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0500 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0500 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0500 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.