P0500

Vehicle Speed Sensor A Circuit

Vehicle speed sensing Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0500 means the ECM isn't getting a valid vehicle-speed signal. The engine still runs, but that signal drives the speedometer, cruise control, and transmission shift timing, so those systems can act up. Most often the speed sensor or its wiring has failed; check the sensor and connector before replacing anything else.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually yes — the engine runs fine, but the speedometer, cruise control, and transmission shifts can misbehave, so drive with extra caution.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

8,841

scans in the past year

Found in

1.4%

of scans

2.5%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0500 scans

P0202in 12.5% of scans

P0201in 12.4% of scans

P0203in 12.4% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Speedometer reads zero, wrong, or erratic
Harsh, delayed, or erratic transmission shifting
Cruise control won't engage

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed vehicle speed sensor (or wheel-speed/output-shaft sensor feeding it) — most commonLikely
Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector in the sensor circuitCommon
Damaged sensor tone/reluctor ringCommon
Faulty ECM or instrument-cluster input (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and confirm the speed reading is dropping to zero or reading erratically while moving.
Locate the speed sensor (commonly on the transmission or transfer case) and inspect its connector and wiring.
Check the sensor tip for metal debris and inspect the tone ring it reads.
Test the sensor's signal output and its power/ground against spec; replace the sensor if out of range.
If the sensor and wiring are good, check the ECM input. Clear and road-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0500?+

The engine runs, but a dead speedometer and confused transmission shifting make it less safe. Drive carefully and get it fixed soon, especially on an automatic.

Can I just clear P0500?+

It comes back once the speed signal drops out again. Repair the sensor or wiring first.

Read & clear P0500 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX