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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

po 500 speed sensor A

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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 07:05 AM
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po 500 speed sensor A

this code is intermittent. truck runs great speedo works fine but sometimes on highway i will get this code. goes into limp mode. shut truck off restart and works fine. replaced speed sensor on rear diff and no luck.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 07:38 AM
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It's probably the wiring between the speed sensor on the rear diff and the PCM. You probably have an intermittent open circuit.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 08:18 AM
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It would also help to know what year/model/engine/transmission truck you are working on.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 10:12 AM
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1996 f150 5.0 4x4 E40D
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by chris1996
1996 f150 5.0 4x4 E40D
Most 5L engine equipped trucks came with a 4R70W transmission. These trucks use the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor on the transmission for Vehicle Speed input to the computer (PCM).

Check the door jamb sticker to see what Transmission Code is listed. Trans Code E is an E4OD. Trans Code U is 4R70W.

If you do have a 4R70W that could explain why replacing the rear axle mounted VSS did not resolve your issue. That sensor is not used for Vehicle Speed input to the computer on a truck with a 4R70W.

Another thought is Code P0500 is listed as a Continuous Memory code. You may need to clear the stored codes to clear the error. Simply replacing the part will not do it unless you drive enough cycles for the computer to do it itself. I believe that number is in the 40 to 80 range....
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 08:32 PM
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The number of drive cycles to clear a stored code is 2. But that's COMPLETE drive cycles, where every single test gets run. That can take 40 trips, depending on how it's driven, how long it's driven, and many other factors.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 08:58 PM
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it is a e4od. i did clear the code with my obd 2 scan tool but it keeps coming back. i believe your right mark. Has to be the wiring. Now how do i go about diagnosing the problem with my multimeter.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 09:18 PM
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Unplug the wiring from the PCM and from the speed sensor. With your meter set on ohms, probe the BACK of the connector, never put the probe in the end that makes the connection. Look for continuity on the wires from the speed sensor to the PCM. Also check each wire for a short to ground and a short to power.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 09:28 PM
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If the VSS was bad the speedometer would be erratic or not register at all. Since you have an E4OD the PSOM converts the VSS signal for use with the speed/odometer, speed control and provides vehicle speed to the computer (PCM).

Looks more like a PSOM problem or wiring issue between the PSOM-PCM to me.

For reference:
 
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Old Oct 10, 2016 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
The number of drive cycles to clear a stored code is 2. But that's COMPLETE drive cycles, where every single test gets run. That can take 40 trips, depending on how it's driven, how long it's driven, and many other factors.
Thanks for the clarification Mark.
 
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