Toyota Sequoia: VSS – Circuit Malfunction

P0500 OBDII Trouble Code that can affect the Toyota Sequoia‘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 Sequoia for many functions. This signal controls transmission shifts and ABS. It also helps to control cruise control, speedometer, ABS, and other vehicle functions. Repairing this should be a top priority.

Toyota Sequoia 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. 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 You might notice a shift that is different from what you are used to.
• Anti-Lock Brakes– The Sequoia’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.

Toyota Sequoia 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. If this happens, Sequoia won't be able determine the VSS readings. It would be great to take a good 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 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 is 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. Replacing the wiring harness without first inspecting can lead to a costly mistake.

Fixed Price: P0500

You should inspect the Wiring Harness first. Once everything looks fine, you can 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

The Toyota Sequoia P0500 can be hard to identify. Don’t skip checking the wiring harness first. You are welcome!