FixVault

DTC P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A": Description

Automatic Transaxle Models:

Vehicles, which are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), detect the vehicle speed using the skid control ECU and wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor monitors the wheel rotation speed and sends a signal to the skid control ECU. The skid control ECU converts the wheel speed signal into a 4-pulse signal and transmits it to the ECM via the combination meter. The ECM determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of the pulse signal.

Fig 1: Blinking Pattern Of Automatic Transaxle Models
G05676760Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Manual Transaxle Models:

Vehicles, which are equipped with manual transaxle, detect the vehicle speed using the No. 1 vehicle speed sensor. The No. 1 vehicle speed sensor transmits a 4-pulse signal for every revolution of the rotor shaft, which is rotated by the transaxle or transfer output shaft via the driven gear. The 4-pulse signal is converted into a more precise rectangular waveform by the waveform shaping circuit inside the combination meter. The signal is then transmitted to the ECM. The ECM determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of the pulse signal.

Fig 2: Blinking Pattern Of Manual Transaxle Models
G05676761Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
DTC TROUBLE DETECTION CONDITION CHART

DTC No. DTC Detection Conditions Trouble Areas
P0500 Automatic Transmission Models:
ECM detects following conditions simultaneously 500 times (1 trip detection logic)
  • No SP1 (speed sensor) signal while ECM detects SP2 (No. 2 speed sensor) signal
  • Vehicle speed 6 mph (9 km/h) or more for 4 seconds
  • Park/Neutral position switch OFF (shift lever other than P and N positions)
  • Transfer lever in other than N position (4WD)
  • Open or short in speed signal circuit
  • Combination meter
  • ECM
  • Skid control ECU
Manual Transmission Models:
Following conditions met for 5 seconds or more (2 trip detection logic):
  • Engine coolant temperature 70°C (158°F) or more
  • Engine speed 1500 to 4000 rpm
  • Fuel cut at high engine speed not executing
  • Engine load 31.6% or more