Hummer H3 P0500: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Hummer H3‘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.

It is the signal used by H3 to control many vehicle functions. This signal controls transmission shifts and ABS. It also helps to control the speedometer. It should be fixed as soon as possible.

Hummer H3 P0500 symptoms

The symptoms will differ depending on which model year you are using and any other circumstances. 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. It's the The Odometer It might not even work.
• 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 H3’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is one of many sensors in a complex system that prevents wheels locking when there's heavy breaking pressure.

Hummer H3 - P0500

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. They're It's also quite affordable.
• 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. The H3 may not be able read the VSS's readings if this occurs. It would be safe to look at your 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.

P0500 is the main reason that the code was not thrown all the time. There is a possibility that your ECM/PCM may have gone wrong. 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. It is a bad idea to replace it without checking it.

Fix P0500

You should inspect the Wiring Harness first. If everything looks fine, you can then inspect the VSS. Is there any visible damage to the VSS?

After you do that, (or before, if necessary), 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

It can be difficult to diagnose P0500 problems in Hummer H3. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. Have fun!