Vehicle speed information is provided to the engine control module (ECM) by the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). The VSS consists of a hall-effect sensor mounted to the transmission case which interfaces with a rotor pressed onto the transmission output shaft. The hall-effect sensor contains a permanent magnet and a semiconductor plate to which ignition voltage is applied. As the output shaft spins, the rotor directs the field of the permanent magnet either toward or away from the plate. The VSS produces a frequency signal that is proportional to vehicle speed. The ECM converts the VSS signal to vehicle speed, displayed on the scan tool in kilometers per hour or miles per hour. The ECM also uses the VSS signal to generate the 4,000 pulses per mile vehicle speed signal used by the instrument cluster.

The VSS indicates a speed of less than 0 km/h (0 mph) for 4 seconds.

P0501 and P0502 are Type B DTCs.

The battery must be fully charged and pass a battery test. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test.

Schematic Reference

Manual Transmission Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Transmission System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information.

1. Operate the vehicle on the road at 64 km/h (40 mph). Observe the transmission vehicle speed sensor parameter with a scan tool. The VSS signal should match the instrument panel speedometer indicator.
2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the ECM.
2. Disconnect the VSS harness connector.
3. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the ground circuit at the VSS harness connector terminal 3 and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified value, repair the open/high resistance condition.

4. Ignition ON, test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit terminal 1 and ground at the VSS harness connector.

⇒	If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage.

5. Ignition ON, test for greater than 11 V between the ignition voltage circuit, at the VSS harness connector terminal 3, and ground.

⇒	If less than the specified value, test the ignition voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

6. Ignition ON, install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 3 and the signal circuit terminal 1 at the VSS harness connector. Test for greater than 11 V at X2, terminal 43 of the ECM harness connector.

⇒	If less than the specified value, test the VSS signal circuit for a short to ground, or an open/high resistance.

7. Remove the 3 A fused jumper wire.
8. Ignition ON, engine OFF, transmission in NEUTRAL.
9. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the ignition voltage circuit terminal 1 on the VSS harness connector and terminal 1 on the VSS. Connect a second jumper wire between the ground circuit terminal 2 on the VSS harness connector and terminal 2 on the VSS.
10. Test for greater than 0.15 V AC, at terminal 1 on the VSS sensor, while rotating the rear wheels by hand.

⇒	If less than the specified value, replace the VSS.

11. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.

1. Remove the VSS sensor. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement.
2. Inspect and repair the VSS or the transmission for the following conditions:

•	Loose or damaged VSS

•	Excessive VSS to rotor gap

•	Incorrect VSS rotor alignment

•	Loose or damaged VSS rotor

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.