P0501 The vehicle speed sensor signal is out of range or does not make sense

Vehicle speed sensor range/performance

P0501 in short

P0501 means the speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor is out of the expected range or does not match other data. A faulty sensor or circuit, a broken gear, or metal flakes on a magnetic sensor are listed causes. ABS may be disabled, so get it checked soon.

The computer uses the vehicle speed signal for shift timing, cruise control and the speedometer. A range or performance code sets when the signal drops out, jumps or does not match what the computer expects, for example falling to zero and returning to normal speed while driving.

TroubleCodes.net lists a faulty sensor or circuit, a broken transmission or differential gear, and metal flakes on a magnetic sensor tip. It lists harsh, early or late shifts, cruise lockout, ABS and stability control disabled, and speedometer problems as symptoms.

Honda has a bulletin for 1998-1999 CR-V models with cruise surge, an erratic speedometer or the check engine light on with P0501, and Ford and Mazda bulletins from 1997-2001 list it among codes that set with a faulty speedometer. The summaries do not give the repair.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Faulty vehicle speed sensor or its wiring

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the sensor or circuit first, and the Honda bulletin describes P0501 as a vehicle speed sensor malfunction.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal drops out when wheels are turned or the connector wiggles. Falls if the signal is clean.

  2. Metal debris on a magnetic sensor tip

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists metal flakes on a magnetic VSS tip as a cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor tip comes out coated with metal. Falls if it is clean.

  3. Broken transmission or differential gear

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a broken gear, but this is less common than a sensor fault and needs the sensor ruled out first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor output stops while the wheels turn and there is gear noise. Falls if the sensor tests good.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes with a scan tool and check whether ABS or transmission codes are stored with P0501, and compare the scan tool's vehicle speed with the speedometer.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfABS or transmission speed codes are stored too

      It meansA shared sensor, wiring or module fault is possible.

      Go to step 2

    • IfSpeed reads zero or erratic on the scan tool

      It meansThe speed signal is faulty.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop check the sensor circuit resistance and the sensor output while the wheels are turned, and inspect the sensor tip for metal debris.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scan tool

    Warning:The vehicle must be lifted and the wheels turned; use jack stands and keep clear of moving parts. ABS and transmission parts are safety-related.

Symptoms

  • Speedometer or odometer not working or jumping
  • Cruise control will not work
  • ABS or stability control light on Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Harsh, early or late shifts Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 1998–1999 · CR-V

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda issued a bulletin for cruise surge, an erratic speedometer or a check engine light with P0501.

  • 01019Status unverified

    Cruise surge, erratic speedometer or MIL with P0501

    1998–1999cr-v · issued · NHTSA 619957

    Service bulletin for P0501 (vehicle speed sensor). The NHTSA summary does not say the repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0500Vehicle speed sensor signal missing or not believable

    Same system Common general cause

    P0500 is the general vehicle speed sensor malfunction code.

  • P0502The vehicle speed sensor signal is lower than the computer expects

    Same system Common general cause

    P0502 is the low-input code for the same sensor.

All Vehicle speed, idle control and engine electrical codes

Sources and review

  1. P0501 code definition and diagnosis — TroubleCodes.net
  2. Honda service bulletin 01019: cruise control surge, erratic speedometer or MIL with P0501 (1998-1999 CR-V) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  3. On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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