Toyota Matrix P0500: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 This OBDII code is used to troubleshoot the Toyota Matrix‘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 Matrix for many functions. This signal controls transmission shifts and ABS. It also helps to control cruise control and the speedometer. Repairing this should be a top priority.

Toyota Matrix P0500 symptoms

Different symptoms may be experienced depending on your model year or other factors. These are some of the most frequent symptoms for 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 The Odometer It may not be possible.
• 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 Matrix’s ABS may not work or could be compromised. VSS is part of a larger set of sensors which prevents the wheels from locking up under high break pressure.

Toyota Matrix - 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.
• 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 Matrix may not be able detect the VSS when this occurs. You can look at the harness from a safe distance. You must make sure it is properly plugged. Check to see if the wiring has become frayed. Here’s How to Check for a Short (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. 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. 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 you are lucky), you can go back to work. 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 on the Toyota Matrix. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. Have fun!