Technical Fault code P0500

[CMaughan96]

Hello all.

I have a Mk2b 1.2 8V 2004
Getting a fault code P0500 and U1600 (though from searching around, it seems U1600 can be ignored?)

P0500 is a speed sensor error, right?

I currently don't have insurance for the car, and am still a learner, so I can't drive it to actually see if the speedo works.

My main question is - if I clear the error, would I need to actually drive the car for the code to potentially reappear or could I just turn the engine on?

 

[Ziggy122]

Hello all.

I have a Mk2b 1.2 8V 2004
Getting a fault code P0500 and U1600 (though from searching around, it seems U1600 can be ignored?)

P0500 is a speed sensor error, right?

I currently don't have insurance for the car, and am still a learner, so I can't drive it to actually see if the speedo works.

My main question is - if I clear the error, would I need to actually drive the car for the code to potentially reappear or could I just turn the engine on?

U1600 is usually related to the key signal been not 100% on unlocked of the imboliser
I'd clear it and forget it

NOW
The translation i've got for that code is

P0500 - VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) Circuit malfunction

Now
That could be
The speed sensor, the wiring, the ECM, A connection issue

My advice is clear the code but keep a note of it
IF you have axle stands, you could put it up in the air on stands, and engage 1 and 2nd to see if the speedo works

Ziggy

 

[CMaughan96]

U1600 is usually related to the key signal been not 100% on unlocked of the imboliser
I'd clear it and forget it

NOW
The translation i've got for that code is

P0500 - VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) Circuit malfunction

Now
That could be
The speed sensor, the wiring, the ECM, A connection issue

My advice is clear the code but keep a note of it
IF you have axle stands, you could put it up in the air on stands, and engage 1 and 2nd to see if the speedo works

Ziggy

Thanks for the reply, Ziggy

Could this error also be related to a power steering light? I read that if the speed sensor isn't working, the power steering doesn't know how to assist.

 

[Ziggy122]

Thanks for the reply, Ziggy

Could this error also be related to a power steering light? I read that if the speed sensor isn't working, the power steering doesn't know how to assist.

Yes
if the speed sensor isn't providing an input signal the powersteering may moan
As lower speeds it'll give more assistance
Higher speed it gives less
It wants to know when it can turn city off as well (light stays on dash though )

ziggy

 

[CMaughan96]

Quick update.

Since there was no code specific to the power steering light, I thought I'd check the basics first. Turns out the battery terminals/connectors were filthy. Gave 'em a good clean and the power steering light's gone. I guess there's a reason that's in the sticky about power steering!

I've cleared the P0500 code. Is it something I need to be immediately concerned about? In other words, can I drive the car and just keep the issue in mind?

 

[varesecrazy]

did you get the speedo working..??,
see if speedo works/ fault light illuminates again,
Charlie

 

[CMaughan96]

did you get the speedo working..??,
see if speedo works/ fault light illuminates again,
Charlie

Yeah, I'm working on finding someone to lend me a jack and axle stands. Can't drive the car yet.

 

[varesecrazy]

Yeah, I'm working on finding someone to lend me a jack and axle stands. Can't drive the car yet.

where are you based..??

Charlie - Oxford

 

[CMaughan96]

where are you based..??

Charlie - Oxford

Letchworth, Hertfordshire

 

[CMaughan96]

okay, so the speedo appears to work, but I can't really tell if it's working fully (i.e if it's correct)

At a certain speed - about 15mph, I think - the power steering cuts out until the engine is restarted. This does seem to me like there's something wrong with the speed sensor?

The code/engine light hasn't come back yet.

 

[CMaughan96]

How should I proceed?

 

[oldhammer]

(okay, so the speedo appears to work, but I can't really tell if it's working fully (i.e if it's correct)




^ Do you have a 'Sat-nav ?

 

[flisko]

if your phone got gps you could monitor speed there

 

[CMaughan96]

Does it matter at what speed the PAS fails? Surely the fact that it fails at a certain point after pulling away would indicate the speed sensor?

It's just it's gonna be a pain/illegal for me to drive it and find out what speed it is...

 

[CMaughan96]

Can anyone advise me on how to troubleshoot what needs replacing/fixing?

 

[CMaughan96]

Is this the part I'd need to replace?
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=5000&sku=55583

How can I diagnose if this needs replacing?

 

[varesecrazy]

Is this the part I'd need to replace?
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=5000&sku=55583

How can I diagnose if this needs replacing?

quite possibly, do you have ABS..??

I suspect a scan with MultiECUScan may well highlight the area where the signal of speed is lost.., ( or other error code)

Charlie - Oxford

 

[CMaughan96]

quite possibly, do you have ABS..??

I believe so...? I think Do all mk2b active 8Vs have ABS?

I suspect a scan with MultiECUScan may well highlight the area where the signal of speed is lost.., ( or other error code)

Charlie - Oxford

I could get access to a laptop, I suppose. Getting the cable will have to wait until next payday now, however...

 

[varesecrazy]

I believe so...? I think Do all mk2b active 8Vs have ABS?


I could get access to a laptop, I suppose. Getting the cable will have to wait until next payday now, however...

abs - will have wheel speed sensors

quite a few of us have MES on the forum,
so where's the car, Letchworth..??

Charlie

 

[CMaughan96]

abs - will have wheel speed sensors

quite a few of us have MES on the forum,
so where's the car, Letchworth..??

Charlie

Yeah, the car's with me in Letchworth.
Forgive me for being a noob, what's MES?