Ask Andy AIP0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction
What it means, what causes it, and what it costs to fix.
What P0500 means
The computer isn't getting a usable vehicle speed signal from the speed sensor or its circuit.
Can I drive with P0500?
Severity: Medium. Fix soon so it doesn't turn into something bigger.
Drivable with care. Your speedometer may be wrong or dead, cruise control and ABS may act up, and shifting may be harsh.
Get a diagnosis for your exact car
Tell Andy your year, make, model, and symptoms. You'll get best case, most likely, and worst case, with parts and labor costs. Free, in about 15 seconds.
Ask Andy about P0500Symptoms
- Speedometer erratic or not working
- Cruise control doesn't work
- Harsh or odd shifting
- ABS or traction light on
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Failed vehicle speed sensor
- Damaged wiring
- Faulty ABS wheel speed sensor (on cars that use it for speed)
- Stripped speedometer drive gear (older vehicles)
How to diagnose P0500
- Check whether ABS or wheel speed codes are also set.
- Watch vehicle speed in live data while driving.
- Inspect the sensor and wiring at the transmission or wheel.
Tip: most US auto parts stores will read your codes for free.
Repair costs
| Vehicle speed sensor | $120–$300 installed |
| ABS wheel speed sensor | $100–$300 installed |
Typical US prices. Your vehicle, region, and shop rates will change these.
P0500 FAQ
What does P0500 mean?
P0500 means "Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction." The computer isn't getting a usable vehicle speed signal from the speed sensor or its circuit.
Can I drive with a P0500 code?
Drivable with care. Your speedometer may be wrong or dead, cruise control and ABS may act up, and shifting may be harsh.
What is the most common cause of P0500?
The most common cause is: Failed vehicle speed sensor. Other causes include damaged wiring and faulty abs wheel speed sensor.
How much does it cost to fix P0500?
Typical repairs run about $100 to $300 in the US, depending on the cause. Vehicle speed sensor: $120–$300 installed.
Still not sure what's wrong?
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