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P0500 Code

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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 10:12 AM
  #1  
E55 Bulldog's Avatar
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P0500 Code

Hey guys, Im getting a P0500 code. Here is the back story...


The truck was shifting hard, didn't think to much about it because my last truck did the same but in the past month I have had the "O/D OFF" light flash causing the truck to shift erratically and even go into limp mode. Once I pulled over and shut the truck off and started it would be ok. This has happened twice in the last month.


Tranny was rebuilt 600 miles ago (previous owner) so I took it to my tranny shop and the pulled the P0500 code. Cleared the code and the truck ran 100xs better, shifted better, O/D sputter was gone, it was nice. Its been a few days and now the truck is running the same issues. No flashing of the "OD OFF" light but I can tell its shifting hard and running not as smooth. Im about to install a chip and would like this issue sorted before I do to prevent any additional issues.


No ABS lights, speedo seems to be working correctly...


Any ideas on what would cause this intermittent issue?


Ill check the VVS today myself but the tranny guys said everything looked good under there.


Anything else I need to look into?
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 10:16 AM
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Check the connection on the side of the tranny (big electrical plug) to see if its not loose or full of water/oil. Clean it really good and put some dielectric grease.
 
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Old Mar 18, 2016 | 10:20 AM
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If I some how find and fix the problem will the code reset itself or do I need to take it some where to clear it?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 11:57 AM
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All the plugs looked clean and I added some Noalox grease to the VVS but the truck still seems to be shifting a little off. Should I just go ahead and replace the VVS?


Also, how can I clear the code without a scan tool?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 12:15 PM
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Disconnect the batteries for 5 min to clear the code ...

<table style="font-size:14" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="D89EC7"><td align="center" valign="top">0500</td> <td align="center" valign="top">VSS</td> <td align="left" valign="top">Vehicle speed sensor malfunction</td> <td align="left" valign="top">Continuous</td> <td align="left" valign="top">Sensor, circuit, PCM, PSOM, low trans fluid</td></tr></tbody></table>
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 12:16 PM
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Will the code clear itself it the problem is corrected?
 
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Old Mar 21, 2016 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by E55 Bulldog
Will the code clear itself it the problem is corrected?
Yes ... less than 10 char
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 07:36 AM
  #8  
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Is the VSS a mandatory Ford part or can I pick up an aftermarket one at the auto parts store? Price is double for Ford.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 08:53 AM
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Also, how can I check to see if Im getting correct power to the VSS? I have a multi meter but how would I test it?
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 09:46 AM
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I would get a Ford VSS, its an important part. Not sure on testing.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2016 | 10:03 AM
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Yeah, I actually found a ford (motorcraft) at a local autoparts store ($15 less then dealer). Im picking it up this afternoon.
 
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