Ford C-Max: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Ford C-Max‘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.

C-Max utilizes this signal to control many functions of the vehicle. This signal controls transmission shifts and ABS. It also helps to control cruise control, speedometer, ABS, and other vehicle functions. It should be fixed as soon as possible.

Ford C-Max P0500 symptoms

The model year as well as other factors can affect the symptoms. However, these are the most prevalent symptoms of P0500.

• Failed speedometer– 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. It's 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 C-Max’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is only one part of the complex set of sensors which prevents the wheels locking under high break pressure.

P0500: C-Max Causes

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. These are Also, quite reasonable.
• Trouble with the wiring– 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, C-Max won't be able determine the VSS readings. You can take a safe look at the harness. It should be plugged in every step. 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.

These P0500 reasons will be why the code was thrown the majority of the times. 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. Useful 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

P0500 can sometimes be challenging to identify in your Ford C-Max. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!