Transmission code
P0500: Vehicle speed sensor signal problem
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1.2 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $88 | $210 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $360 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, wheel speed sensor replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer relies on a vehicle speed signal for shifting, cruise control and the speedometer. That signal is missing or does not make sense next to engine and wheel data. Depending on the car, the signal comes from a transmission output sensor or from the wheel speed sensors.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Failed speed sensor
Usually safe, but the speedometer may be wrong and shifts rough; take it easy.
What you may notice
- Speedometer not working
- Cruise control not working
- Harsh shifts
- ABS light may come on
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed speed sensor
- Damaged wiring
- Wheel speed sensor fault
- Dirty reluctor ring
- Computer fault
Check this first
Watch the speedometer on a short drive. If it drops to zero or bounces, the problem is in the speed signal path. Also look for ABS or cruise lights that come on at the same time, since they point to a wheel sensor.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0500
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Transmission speed / range sensor replacement | $120 to $490 |
| ABS control module repair or replacement | $550 to $1,775 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0500 questions
Is it the transmission or ABS?
Either one can supply the speed signal, depending on your car. Some use a sensor on the transmission, and others use the ABS wheel sensors. A scan of both modules shows where the signal drops.
Can I pass inspection?
Not with a lit check-engine light in most states. Also, if the speedometer does not work, a safety inspection may fail it for that reason alone. Fix the sensor before the sticker is due.
Is the sensor costly?
The part is usually inexpensive, but access and labor change a lot. A wheel speed sensor is easy to reach, while a transmission output sensor may require lifting the car or draining fluid.
How much does it cost to fix P0500?
The most common fix, wheel speed sensor replacement, has a typical range of $120 to $360 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0700: Transmission computer reports a fault
- P0741: Torque converter clutch not locking
- P0521: Oil pressure sensor signal out of range
- P0562: System voltage low
More transmission codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.