CEL Help

[HuGo]

My CEL light is on. I got the following code:

P0500 - Vehicle Speed Sensor VSS Malfunction.

I dont know exactly what this means? Along with the CEL i have the ABS light on.

Ive reseted the code and after a few miles of driving the CEL comes back up. And it's just this code.

What is it? How do i fix it?

Thanks in advance.

PS, this would have nothing to do with failing emission correct?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by HuGo

PS, this would have nothing to do with failing emission correct?

You can not pass emissions with a CEL on. I'm pretty sure this is true in all 50 states that have emission testing even though your faults aren't emission related.

[HuGo]

I need to fix this problem by next tues cuz im taking my car to the state ref.

Anyway, any idea guys?

[AlaskaBlue]

Seems like you could buy a new speed sensor or take out the bulb.

[HuGo]

I'm having a feeling that it might be my lsd? It doesn't tell me front or rear.

Is there a seperate unit that erases ABS codes?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by AlaskaBlue

Seems like you could buy a new speed sensor or take out the bulb.

Removing the bulb will throw another fault. There is actually a code for blown bulb.

[thesk8nmidget]

will he still be able to do an emissions test with a bulb removed and pass if the car comes clean on emissions?

or will they fail you if you have a "blown bulb?"

[HuGo]

Any help please??????

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by thesk8nmidget

will he still be able to do an emissions test with a bulb removed and pass if the car comes clean on emissions?

or will they fail you if you have a "blown bulb?"

In Maryland you would fail with and CEL.
A blown bulb is still a fault.

[adamud]

I just googled the code and the thing that kept on coming up was on 740il. It kept saying that it was the speed senor, so I'd start there.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

In Maryland you would fail with and CEL.
A blown bulb is still a fault.

same thing in Vermont, luckily it doesn't apply to me since I work in a shop that does inspections, my subaru had 4 moniters "not ready" (the max is 3) and my license plate lights were out and I still got a sticker

[HuGo]

Whats a speed sensor? Is it the thing that goes in the rear cover of the diff? Cuz my cluster works fine with RPMS, MPH, Gas, and temp.

[cooljess76]

HuGo, this might be a longshot, but when did this code come up? Have you had it for a while or did it just pop up recently? The reason I'm asking is because IIRC, you'll get this code if you run two different sized tires on the back. Have you used a spare tire for say a flat lately? It may not be the problem, but I just thought I'd throw it out there for you. Best of luck bud!
Jess

[HuGo]

Someone told my dad about that too. That the reason it came up is maybe cuz i have bigger wheels. But i bought my car with different 18s and it never came up. I dont remember exactly when the code came up, but it wasnt recent. It was up for a while now. About the same time you noticed about lit up tail lights. About that long. So thats a few months now.

[cooljess76]

Hmmm, well when I said different sized tires, I meant like a 15 on the driver's side and a 17 on the passenger's side. I'm sure if both sides are the same, you'll be fine. That's why I asked if you had a flat recently, but since you said that you reset the code and it came back, it's probably something else.

BTW, the pics are in my camera, but I left the docking cradle in my photography class. I'll email them to you tomorrow.