OBD2 Car ScannerWhat does P0500 mean?
P0500 stands for Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction. The engine computer has found a problem with vehicle speed signals, idle control or another sensor input.
Powertrain codes cover the engine, transmission and emissions. When the car's computer sees a reading outside its normal range, it stores this code and may turn on a warning light on the dashboard.
Common causes
- Faulty vehicle speed sensor
- Dirty throttle body or idle air control valve
- Faulty switch or sensor
- Damaged wiring or connector
What to do
- Read all stored and pending codes with a scanner. Several codes together often point to one cause.
- Note the freeze frame data (speed, temperature, load) recorded when the code was set.
- Inspect the wiring and connectors of the part named in the code for damage, corrosion or looseness.
- Fix the most likely and cheapest cause first, then clear the code and drive to see if it comes back.
Read this code from your own car
Plug in a cheap ELM327 adapter and the app shows every fault code, what it means and how to fix it.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0500 mean?
P0500 means “Vehicle Speed Sensor A Malfunction”. It belongs to the speed, idle control and inputs group: The engine computer has found a problem with vehicle speed signals, idle control or another sensor input.
Is it safe to drive with P0500?
You can usually drive carefully for a short time, but fix it soon to avoid further damage or higher fuel use.
How do I clear P0500?
Fix the cause, then clear the code with an OBD2 scanner or app. If the fault is still there, the code will come back.
Related codes
- P04A7Exhaust Pressure Control Valve B Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
- P04A8Exhaust Pressure Control Valve B Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low
- P04A9Exhaust Pressure Control Valve B Position Sensor/Switch Circuit High
- P04AAExhaust Pressure Control Valve B Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0501Vehicle Speed Sensor A Range/Performance
- P0502Vehicle Speed Sensor A Low Input
- P0503Vehicle Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic/High
- P0504Brake Switch A/B Correlation
Code meanings can vary by manufacturer. This page is general guidance, not a repair manual. Always confirm the cause before replacing parts.