Vehicle speed sensor 'A' code P0500 (BAS,ESP,ETS,ABS - lights) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Smith007 · #1 05-31-2006, 09:01 PM

Vehicle speed sensor 'A' - fault code P0500 'A', ML320, 2002 model
Does 'A' mean it is on the left side front or rear wheel sensor
Please help?
Has anyone else replaced same?
* If so would this be classified as a rocket science project?
* does the sensor sit on the outside of the hub or inside the bearing?
* Front ball joints replaced 8000 km ago - could the job have messed things up?
* Any pictures or schematic drawings appreciated

If the Garoge did the work how much did u pay?

mbdoc · #2 06-01-2006, 08:08 AM

ON that truck you should get a traction code like "C 1000".
Generic engine codes like that don't lead to a diagnosis of the problem.. Code must be read from traction & transmission systems.

Smith007 · #3 06-01-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

ON that truck you should get a traction code like "C 1000".
Generic engine codes like that don't lead to a diagnosis of the problem.. Code must be read from traction & transmission systems.

Thanks for the additional info Doc.

The facts: leading up to the dash lights been illuminated like a Xmas tree was that the wife was driving through tons of water during a thunderstorm.
However, I am no rocket scientist and if I interpret 'generic' u mean that only MB diagnostic/code reader machine can provide the test and not a generic diagnostic/code reader machine and/or there is a specific machine to be plugged into the transmission/traction port - and this port is someone where else in the vehicle other than the port situated under the drivers dashport.
Or is it possible that the generic diagnostic/code reader machines give out diff codes numbers and letters to the Mb for the exact same problem
In other words if one was to plug the MB diagnostic/code reader one would receive "C 1000" while a generic diagnostic/code reader machines would give a reading P0500 (vehicle speed sensor A left side)

Forgive Doc but I am confused can you elaborate

Thanks Doc

Smith007 · #4 06-01-2006, 08:49 PM

The mechanic I know ran a snap on trouble shooting code reader; producing Vehicle speed sensor 'A' - fault code P0500 'A', when he looked it up on the internet stated that the mentioned sensor above was on the left side of the vehicle either left front or left rear, but no further elaboration.
Here is the kicker he reset the dash lights and stated they will return - which they did, however, exactly one day after the initial dash warning lights came on they disappeared or were no longer iluminated all butthe check engine light but moments after this miracle the the engine light disappeared or were no longer iluminated - go figure

Smith007 · #5 06-09-2006, 08:25 PM

all the lights mentioned went on again but as sson as it dried up the lights dissapeared Any suggestions?

mbdoc · #6 06-12-2006, 08:31 AM

Have MB repair shop check codes from traction system for proper diagnosis..there are at least 50 different codes that could come out of that system.

ML320 · #7 06-12-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smith007

all the lights mentioned went on again but as sson as it dried up the lights dissapeared Any suggestions?

It's just as M.B.DOC said.

If the ABS light comes on it indicates a problem with the ABS system like a wheel speed sensor with loose connection, which also lights up the other lights.

The P0500 is read from the engine controller and indicates there is a VSS vehicle speed sensor problem:
P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/dtc.html

To figure out what exactly is wrong one needs to read the traction controller which gives the Cxxxx fault codes.

Some ABS info for troubleshooting is here:

http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdfs/327_traction_and_braking/327%20HO%2002%20ABS%20(WJB,GC)%2002-25-04.pdf

Smith007 · #8 12-27-2006, 03:15 PM

Thank you all those for their wonderful posts.
I found the problem some time ago - (sorry for the delay) on my ML 320. It happens to be the brake sensor wire chaffed and the wheel speed sensor wires chaffed behind the left rear wheel.
as the wires cross the left main frame and along the gas tank.
The first pic (specifically the corroded area) is the offending section.

Smith007 · #9 01-09-2007, 06:42 PM

I finally posted the pics above

mkdk · #10 08-19-2007, 03:49 PM

Just to confirm, on my 99 ml320 the BAS and ETS lights came on and cruise would no longer engage.

Parked the ml in the Mercedes customer parking reached down popped out the switch (removed cover at home prior to heading to the dealer). Parts rep handed me the incorrect switch so I showed him the actual switch, he then handed me the correct switch (similar but different connector).

Paid $27 CDN for the switch. Walked out to vehicle rotated switch into place and started ml320. Voila, no fault lights and cruise works.

I assume that the switch was signalling the ECM that the brake was applied while roading so cruise will not engage and anti lock brake/stability systems react to the false signal from faulty switch.

No diagnostic$ required, thanks for posting the tip.

Mark L

Smith007 · #11 08-22-2007, 09:30 AM

Everything was going great given my repairs mentioned - no lights etc.
About mnth ago cruise control would not engage, replaced brake switch and all is good like a pig poo once again

leebingate · #12 03-08-2010, 09:02 PM

However, I am no rocket scientist and if I interpret 'generic' u mean that only MB diagnostic/code reader machine can provide the test and not a generic diagnostic/code reader machine and/or there is a specific machine to be plugged into the transmission/traction port - and this port is someone where else in the vehicle other than the port situated under the drivers dashport.
Or is it possible that the generic diagnostic/code reader machines give out diff codes numbers and letters to the Mb for the exact same problem

mbdoc · #13 03-09-2010, 08:31 AM

Other than issues related to emission (ODB2), a generic scanner won't find issues with the traction system.

A scanner must read traction system to diagnose that type of problem.