2002 CAMRY LE automatic transmission. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH P0500 CODE comes on intermittently. Can feel a small **** when speed hits 10 mph and then at 20 mph. Took to a service station and mechanic says speedometer may be an issue and recommend replacing speedometer assembly for 700 dollars. Mechanic said sensor and wiring are okay. Is it a worth while to change speedometer for this issue.

According to http://repairpal.com/OBD-II-Code-P0500:

Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
Symptoms

• Check Engine Light will illuminate
• Vehicle may not shift properly
• Speedometer may not operate correctly
• In some cases, there are no adverse conditions noticed by the driver
• In some cases, there may be performance problems and/or shifting problems.
• Other warning lights may come on such as the ABS light and Traction Control light.

Common Problems That Trigger the P0500 Code

• Defective Vehicle Speed Sensor
• Defective Speedometer
• Vehicle Speed Sensor wiring or connector
• Communication (CAN) bus problems
• Defective transmission or differential Vehicle Speed Sensor drive gear

Common Misdiagnoses

• Speedomter problem
• Internal Transmission problem
• ABS/Traction Control probelm
• Driveline problem

Causes...............

Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor
- Vehicle speed sensor harness or connectors is open or shorted
- Vehicle speed sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)




The P0500 code is very common on the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Camry, Toyota Tundra, Toyota RAV-4. Before replacing the sensor you should try cleaning the sensor gear and erasing the code. If the light comes back you may have to replace the sensor.

Do you have an OBDII scanner to check the real temperature? Want to make sure it's not overheating. If it's normal, could be your temperature sensor starting to go out, or ignition switch. Any check engine lights? If so, get the code for me, can go from there. At a constant speed, you sure it wasn't a misfire instead? Check your trans fluid, make sure it's full. I was just in Tahoe, pretty sad not much snow at all.

you'll need a systems check to see which speed sensor is acting up they can be intermittant

for the p0500, the solution:
The simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.
i know this tool is helpful for your car.
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.

P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A"
P0501 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance
P0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Circuit Low Input
P0503 Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Intermittent/Erratic/High
Vehicle Speed Sensor Removal & Installation Automatic Transmission To Remove:

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Output shaft speed (OSS) sensor electrical connector.
   • Bolt and OSS sensor

To Install:

1. Apply a light coat of petroleum jelly to the O-ring before installation
2. Install or connect the following:
   • OSS sensor torque bolt to 89 in-lbs (10 Nm)
   • OSS sensor electrical connector

Manual Transmission To Remove:

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) electrical connector.
   • Retaining pin.
   • VSS.

To Install:

1. Install or connect the following:
• VSS.
• Retaining pin.
• VSS connector.

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The VSS is on the transmission near the output shaft. It will not be a wheel speed sensor on the hub.

Good luck on this repair, tommy.

Check transmission lock up selenoid.

They are not the sensors you want. The car uses the abs wheel sensors for vehicle speed. Your problem lies in the abs system , possibly the left front sensor, abs ecu or speedo cluster, Clear the code and see if it stay out otherwise you'll need to go to a trusted technician. .

sound to me like it maybe a faulty sensor in the transmission. take your car to someone with an ODB reader and see if a transmission fault is indicated. you may have to take your car to a transmission shop.

MY HEGO TRANSMISSION SHIFT SOLENOID FUSE KEEPS BLOWING