Dodge Caliber P0500: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 OBDII Trouble Code that can affect the Dodge Caliber‘s Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The VSS sends a signal to the engine’s computer letting it know how fast that the vehicle is going.

This signal is used by the Caliber for many functions. This signal controls transmission shifts and ABS. It also helps to control cruise control, speedometer, and other vehicle functions. It should be fixed as soon as possible.

Dodge Caliber P0500 Symptoms

These symptoms can vary by model year, as well as other factors. However, these are the most prevalent symptoms of P0500.

• Tempoometer failure– Without a properly working vehicles speed sensor, the speedometer will not register any speed. It’ll just sit at 0 MPH while you are driving. You can see the Odometer It may not be possible.
• Cruise Control Failed– When a vehicle is not getting a signal from the VSS, it’ll not let the cruise control engage. This makes sense since it can’t control the speed when it doesn’t know how fast it is going.
• Harsh Shifts It is possible for the transmission to shift in a different way than usual.
• Anti-Lock Brakes– The Caliber’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is just one of many sensors in a complex system that prevents wheels from locking when there's heavy breaking pressure.

Dodge Caliber: P0500

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. These sensors are Also, quite reasonable.
• The Wiring Problem– Due to the location of the VSS, the wiring harness going from the vehicles computer to it can often become damaged and open/short out. If this happens, the Caliber won't be able determine the VSS readings. It would be safe to look at your harness. You must make sure it is properly plugged. You can then check to make sure that no frayed wiring exists. Here’s What to do if you have a problem? (YouTube).
• Tires– On some vehicles, P0500 can be thrown if the tires have been swapped to a size that is different from the factory setting.

P0500 is the main reason that the code is thrown almost all the time. The ECM/PCM could be bad. It is important to not look at the first place, but instead the second.

Because of their location, it is possible for the wiring harness connecting to them to fail. Replacing the wiring harness without first inspecting can lead to a costly mistake.

Fixed Price: P0500

The Wiring Harness should be inspected first. If it looks great, then take a closer look at VSS. Is there any visible damage to the VSS?

If you've done it before, or even earlier if you are lucky), you can go back to work. Good scan tool) it’s time to test the sensor and see if the VSS signal goes up and down with the vehicle speed. If it doesn’t, replacing the sensor could fix the problem. If it does, you’ll have to test the rest of the circuit.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to diagnose P0500 on a Dodge Caliber. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!