Please help quick P0500 code question

[i4Runner]

Hello I have a 2001 4Runner 4WD. Recently my speedometer stopped working and my brake and ABS light are on. Code reads P0500.
Both my VSC lights have been on for years.
My tachometer and gas gauge still work and all display lights are working.
I have checked all fuses associated and they are good. The vehicle appears to still be driving good.
Please help me figure out the issue. What steps should I take to try to fix this?
Also I've read several threads regarding this (my car's symptoms are a bit different) but I haven't read what happens if I don't fix this, will it cause more damage or just not have a speedo etc?
Thank you.

 

[86SupraMKII]

I don't have a manual in front of me at the moment but I believe the sensor is in the transmission. I would assume your odometer probably isn't working too? My runner is pre vsc but maybe that system checks against the speed sensor which could have been going out before the code was thrown? So maybe it's all related to the speed sensor. I would think you'd want to replace it if it's not working as it should. So maybe start there or sometimes just stopping in to Toyota and talking to a tech or shop manager they can give you ideas (it depends on who you talk to, some will want to just get your truck in the shop $$$).

 

[i4Runner]

I don't have a manual in front of me at the moment but I believe the sensor is in the transmission. I would assume your odometer probably isn't working too?

That's correct the odometer is not working either. Could you also advise:

Also I've read several threads regarding this (my car's symptoms are a bit different) but I haven't read what happens if I don't fix this, will it cause more damage or just not have a speedo etc?

thank you

 

[86SupraMKII]

I'm not sure that it would really wreck anything. It depends on if Toyota wired the VSC system into the speed sensor using the individual input from the different components into the computer and speed sensor to make calculations. Meaning if your wheels are slipping, the speed sensor may tell the VSC information as to rate of speed vs what the speed at the abs monitors (I believe the speed of the wheels are picked up through the ABS sensors and individually monitored accordingly) are picking up.

ESQ - Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

It's a component I would replace without question anyway. I'm not sure if you're using GPS currently which probably isn't good unless you're moving a constant speed IE cruise control on the interstate, but wanting to know my speed is something I would always want to know.

Here's another post I found:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/90986-2001-4runner-has-speed-sensor-code-error.html





I would check the repair manual too. You can find it here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-3rd-gen-faq-tutorials-documentation-reference.html

Labeled: "FSM Zip File for Download"

Reference page 1081 on the repair manual for the sensor location. There's probably something near that page for testing the unit itself too.

 

[Doc2012]

Your speed sensor is in your brakes. Don't ask me why toyota did that, but the Speed Sensor is the ABS sensor.

Change your ABS sensors, and I bet your speedo will start working again.

 

[Harrison408]

I had the p0500 code vehicle speed sensor on my 1996 4runner sr5 v6 automatic
Changed the vehicle speed sensor $20 - didn't help
Changed the combo meter /instrument cluster/ gauge cluster with one off eBay $60 - fixed it .

I made sure the new combo meter part number matched my old one also. Not sure if it matters because I noticed some meters in eBay looked exactly the same but had different part numbers .
Only my speedometer and odometer didn't work. And only check engine light was on unlike other members that had abs and other lights on
Hope that helps anyone with same issue .