Pontiac Vibe: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 OBDII Trouble Code that can affect the Pontiac Vibe‘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 vehicle functions, the Vibe utilizes this signal. It controls the transmission shifts, ABS and cruise control. Repairing this should be a top priority.

Pontiac Vibe P0500 Signs

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 failure– 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 Vibe’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is one part of a more complex set of sensors which prevents the wheels locking under high break pressure.

Pontiac Vibe - P0500

• Bad VSS– More often than not, when P0500 is thrown, replacing the Vehicle Speed Sensor will remedy the problem. These sensors 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. The Vibe may not be able read the VSS 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 has been thrown almost 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. It is a bad idea to replace it without checking it.

Fixed Price: P0500

You should inspect the Wiring Harness 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 Pontiac Vibe. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!