1997 Ford Aspire VSS Code P0500

FORD ASPIRE
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ZOMBEEE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My '97 FORD ASPIRE has a PO500 trouble code (Vehicle Speed Sensor). The only info I can find involves ABS Brake systems and I don't have ABS. What does this code mean and what do I do about it?
May 14, 2006 at 7:55 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
VSS is the Vehicle Speed Sensor and is located near the transmission tail shaft. It is a very important element in the vehicle operation. It drive the speedometer, odometer and transmiison shifting. If any of these are "acting" up that is the cause.
May 14, 2006 at 10:06 AM
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ZOMBEEE
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Ok. The speedometer quit working a while ago. But the car drives fine. Would that make the check engine light come on? Everytime I reset the light, it comes back on within 3 short drives!
--zombeee
May 14, 2006 at 10:43 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Without a doubt!
May 14, 2006 at 11:42 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect the vehicle speed sensor near the transmission tail shaft. A failed VSS can stop the speedometer and set P0500, so test and replace the sensor if it is faulty.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Ford Aspire without ABS has a P0500 vehicle speed sensor code and a speedometer that stopped working. The check engine light returns after being reset, although the car otherwise drives fine. The expert explained that the VSS is near the transmission tail shaft and supplies speed data for the speedometer, odometer, and transmission shifting, and confirmed that a failed speedometer can cause the light.

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