Vehicle Speed Sensor P0500 permanent code?

2016 TOYOTA RAV4
100,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL
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AC7937312
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Been driving in limp mode for awhile now. Have a P0500 permanent code. Have been able to clear an abs code on it in warmer weather, but now 14°F this morning, engine will not start. Tried Heet, known good battery, and starter fluid, none worked. No start and cannot clear any codes. Now when I go to ABS area on code reader states that it is unable to establish network connection.
Dec 15, 2025 at 7:11 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Diagnose the intermittent no-start and speed-signal concern with equipment that can access the relevant systems. Record current faults and communication status, then identify the vehicle-specific signal path rather than assuming a particular wheel sensor is responsible.

Guidance references and applicability

2CarPros: Original discussion 1711629 https://2carpros.com/questions/vehicle-speed-sensor-29193527 Source for reported history and outcome. Contributor suggestions are not independently confirmed diagnoses. Attachments were not verified.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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STEVE W.
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Permanent codes cannot be cleared using most scan tools, they have to be cleared by the vehicles systems after it has completed a set of drive cycles You can usually clear a pending or current code though. As far as the code you have, it will trigger limp mode. It basically means that the ABS system is either not seeing the signal from the sensor or that there is a fault in the dash or the ECM.
Does the tool you have allow you to see the wheel speeds from the sensors? If yes then look at those while you are moving, Say you are driving 25 and you see 3 wheels at 25 and one at zero that is where you start looking.
As for the no start, if you used a clear codes on some tools it erases all the stored values, that means it will reset the throttle and more. Try starting it with your foot barely on the throttle. Lets work on getting it running again first. Also, what tool are you using for codes? I'll look up it's specs to see what it can do.
Dec 15, 2025 at 11:40 AM
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AC7937312
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Innova 5210. Does not have live ABS data that I'm aware of.
Dec 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM
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STEVE W.
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Yeah I it looks like it only does live engine data and can pull engine and ABS codes. Unfortunately that doesn't help in this issue. The issue is that although they say A, there is normally nothing that tells you which sensor is A because they use it as a blanket speed sensor code. As such you end up needing a scan tool that can read all of the sensors. Without it you are limited to checking the power and ground to the ABS module and visual inspection of each speed sensor. You could also use a meter to test for continuity but that won't uncover a bad harness or ABS module issue. There are shops that might be willing to connect their scan tool up and give you the results for a fee, then you could do the repair yourself. Or if you plan on keeping the vehicle a while and have others to deal with you could move up to a higher scan tool. Especially with all the sales at the moment there are some great deals out there.
As an example, a tool that is very capable like this used to be $1500.00

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MK808BT-Diagnostic-Diagnosis-maxiCheck/dp/B07MBSZH48

If you look around there are some on sale for less.
Dec 16, 2025 at 4:58 AM
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AC7937312
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Vehicle started and ran this morning in 24° temp up from 14° the previous day when it wouldn't start. Live data show TPS(17%), ECT(19°G and engine rpm while cranking(187 rpm).
Dec 16, 2025 at 7:16 AM
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AC7937312
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19°F*
Dec 16, 2025 at 7:17 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,374 POSTS
OK, good that it started, that won't solve the P0500 though. For that you will need a scan tool.
Dec 16, 2025 at 12:10 PM
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Discussion summary

Vehicle Speed Sensor P0500 permanent code?

The owner reported prolonged reduced operation with a permanent P0500 code, then a cold-weather no-start and loss of ABS communication. The vehicle started the following morning at a warmer temperature, and the owner supplied several live-data readings.

Reported outcome: The vehicle restarted in warmer conditions, but no repair or resolution of P0500 was reported.

The available scanner did not provide the required ABS live data in the discussion. The temperature change did not establish the cause of the no-start, and the code did not identify a confirmed failed component.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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