Ford S-Max: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Ford S-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.

This signal is used by the S-Max for many functions. It controls the transmission shifts, ABS and cruise control. Repairing this should be a top priority.

Ford S-Max P0500 Signs

The symptoms will differ depending on which model year you are using and any other circumstances. These are some of the most frequent symptoms for 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. It's the Odometer Pessimistic results could occur.
• 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 S-Max’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.

P0500 Reasons: S-Max

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. These are It's also quite affordable.
• 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, S-Max 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 has been thrown almost all the time. There is a possibility that your ECM/PCM may have gone wrong. This is not the place you should be looking, but the final.

Because of their location, it is possible for the wiring harness connecting to them to fail. It is a bad idea to replace it without checking it.

Fix 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 difficult to identify in the Ford S-Max. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!