Nissan Sentra P0500: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Nissan Sentra‘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.

For many functions, the Sentra relies on this signal. It controls the transmission shifts as well as ABS and cruise control. It should be fixed as soon as possible.

Nissan Sentra 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 The Odometer You might not get the results you want.
• 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 Sentra’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is just one of many sensors in a complex system that prevents the wheels from locking when there's heavy breaking pressure.

Nissan Sentra: P0500 Reasons

• 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, your Sentra 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 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. Inspect the Wiring Harness first. Then, look into the VSS. Are there any obvious damage signs?

If you've done it before, or even earlier if it happens to be a 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

The Nissan Sentra's P0500 problem can be tricky to identify. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. Have fun!