OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0501 Ford

Vehicle Speed Sensor “A” Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0501 Ford definition:
Basically this means that the vehicle’s speed as read by the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not working properly.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0501 Ford
This code is different from the P0500 Ford code in the fact that it may not trigger the malfunction indicator light (MIL). Potential symptoms are basically the same as the P0500 Ford VSS code: P0500 Ford loss of anti-lock brakes the “anti-lock” or “brake” warning lamps on the dash may be lit the speedometer or odometer may not work properly (or at all) your vehicle’s RPM limiter may be decreased the shifting of an automatic transmission may become erratic other symptoms may also be present

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0501 Ford
A P0501 Ford DTC trouble code may be caused by one or more of the following: The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is not reading (functioning) properly There is a broken/frayed wire leading to the vehicle speed sensor The vehicle’s PCM is not correctly configured for the actual tire size on the vehicle

Possible Solutions

The simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back. Next, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the speed sensor. The location of the sensor depends on your vehicle. The sensor could be on the rear axle, transmission, or perhaps the wheel hub (brake) assembly. If the wiring and connectors are OK, then check the voltage at the speed sensor. Again, the exact procedure wil depend on your make and model of vehicle. If everything looks OK, replace the sensor.

Related Codes

P0501 Ford P0502 Ford P0503 Ford P0504 Ford P0505 Ford P0506 Ford P0507 Ford P0508 Ford P0509 Ford