i have toyota vitz 2001. the engine light on sometimes while i am driving. I went to have it check. the problem code is po500. says speed sensor malfunction. The code was cleared. Then the light went on again while i was driving. I went to back to get further check with scope (is it right!) The computer analysis says there is nothing wrong with the speed sensor. The car went on rode test. it was noticed that when the engine light on, the diagram states that speed sensor made some noise regularly. well. i had two suggestions by the mechanic. the one is doing transmission flush service to see if clean will help. the other is replaced the speed sensor. However, there will be no guarantee that problem will be solved. which solution shall i do! i want to choose the most economic way. I know nothing about the car. any advice will be helpful regards
00quattro00,
Dec 30, 4:05am
Well its worth doing the trans service as it will need to be done anyway, and a new sensor should not cost much either
franc123,
Dec 30, 4:05am
Going to a Toyota agent for a proper analysis and testing by a tech that knows what they are doing and has access to the correct info would be a good start, it may well be a known problem. Fault codes are only generated when the particular ECU involved has detected a signal that it doesn't understand, or is outside what it expects to see, this can be a sensor or circuit fault or even another operating condition causing odd behaviour from the sensor. They don't log for no reason, deleting the code isn't going to solve anything if there is an underlying issue. Has there been any odd readings from the speedo or has the trans been shifting at the wrong time or anything like that! The idea that a trans flush might solve an electrical issue is funny to say the least.
farnortherner,
Dec 30, 4:23am
Well try this link http://www.obd-codes.com/p0500 Symptoms of a P0500 DTC may include: loss of anti-lock brakes the "anti-lock" or "brake" warning lamps on the dash may be lit the speedometer or odometer may not work properly (or at all) your vehicle's RPM limiter may be decreased the shifting of an automatic transmission may become erratic other symptoms may also be present
farnortherner,
Dec 30, 4:24am
Causes also on link above: A code P0500 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not reading (functioning) properly There is a broken/frayed wire leading to the vehicle speed sensor The vehicle's PCM is not correctly configured for the actual tire size on the vehicle
farnortherner,
Dec 30, 4:25am
also on that link Possible Solutions The simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.
Next, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the speed sensor. The location of the sensor depends on your vehicle. The sensor could be on the rear axle, transmission, or perhaps the wheel hub (brake) assembly.
If the wiring and connectors are OK, then check the voltage at the speed sensor. Again, the exact procedure wil depend on your make and model of vehicle.
If everything looks OK, replace the sensor.
farnortherner,
Dec 30, 4:26am
Hope that helps, Im no expert at all but found that on the net
liliananz,
Dec 30, 7:06pm
Thank all of your advice. I just have no idea about the car. I wrote this thread because i don't want to be tricked by the mechanic to waste some unnecessary money at the moment. It seems like that I will not do the transmission flush service now. and I will ask a few mechanics to see what they say. anyone in the north shore can recommend some decent ones! thanks and happy new year!
intrade,
Dec 30, 7:09pm
go to the main toyota agent they are on north sore i think.thats all i can say if you go round asking loads of mechanics then they either rip you off or they think you want everything for free and tell you to bugger off.
meathead_timaru,
Dec 30, 7:13pm
Keep going to different mechanics, wasting their time, until you get the answer you want.
firemansgirl,
Dec 30, 7:19pm
Well you're just a source of helpful information - NOT!
meathead_timaru,
Dec 30, 7:22pm
They're not looking for information. They're looking for someone to tell them what they want to hear.
liliananz,
Dec 30, 8:46pm
Gee guys~~don't argue, it is new year eve. thank you for all of your kindness. i am just naive about the cars and unlucky, i don't have many male or female friends who know the cars. and at least, i wont do the transmission flush service to try to fix my problem after i read your answers. see, that is useful for me! i may go ask for toyota agent, i asked them once, they sounds expensive. but this time i will ask them again. once again, any information i will be appreciated. happy new year! Regards Lillian
chevcamaro,
Dec 30, 9:12pm
i second that, i think
theram1,
Dec 30, 9:12pm
beats "santa did it".
kazbanz,
Dec 30, 9:35pm
ACTUALLY--he mayhave been blunt about it but he is 100% correct. The op was given the information they needed and solid advice to boot. Their reaction was to ignore that advice. The hourly rate at Toyota will certainly be more than elsewhere but the car will be fixed efficiently which ultimately often means it costs less
llortmt,
Dec 30, 9:40pm
The speed sensor is on the top of the transmission (two wire held with one bolt), basically it sends small (4.5-5.5 volt) electrical pluses to the ECM (the cars computer). The ECM determines the vehicle speed based on the frequency of these pulse signals (sent via instrument cluster) Clearing the code WILL put the light out at first as it has a 2 trip detection logic unless you FIXED the fault it wont help. Personally I'd like to look a live data and see it faulting (whats the speedo needle doing!), plus test the sensor not just for a pulse but resistance (should be 560-680 ohms) but if I was to guess (an educated guess) I'd be replacing the sensor itself. Having said that I'm not guaranteeing its not a harness (wiring) problem,ABS ECU fault, instrument cluster (yes really but unlikely) or even an ECM fault. p.s. I cant see how a trans flush is going to help this fault, I be interested in their logic.
liliananz,
Dec 30, 9:44pm
thank you so much! thank you for your time to reply me! it is helpful!
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