Nissan Altima P0500: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Nissan Altima‘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 used for many functions in the Altima. This helps regulate transmission shifts as well as ABS and cruise control. It should be fixed as soon as possible.

Nissan Altima P0500 Symptoms

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. You can see the Odometer This may cause problems.
• 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 You might notice a shift that is different from what you are used to.
• Anti-Lock Brakes– The Altima’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is just one of many sensors in a complex system that prevents wheels locking when there's heavy breaking pressure.

Nissan Altima P0500: Causes

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. They're 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, the Altima 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. Check to see if the wiring has become frayed. 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. The ECM/PCM could be bad. It is important to not look at the first place, but instead the second.

The wiring harness that leads to VSS can sometimes fail due to its location. Replacing the wiring harness without first inspecting can lead to a costly mistake.

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?

After you do that, (or before, if necessary), 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 problems in your Nissan Altima. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!