Share a caseSign in
SensorsSeverity Medium: diagnose soon

P0501Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance

What it means

The vehicle speed signal is present but implausible (jumps, doesn't match engine speed and gear).

Symptoms

  • Speedometer not working or jumping
  • Erratic or no shifting on automatics
  • ABS or cruise control warnings

Common causes

  • Failing sensor or damaged tone ring
  • Wrong tyre size or ratio programmed
  • Intermittent wiring

What to check first

  1. Graph vehicle speed on a road test
  2. Check wheel speed sensors and tone rings
  3. Check the tyre size coding
Can I drive with P0501? Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

How to test the parts behind P0501

ABS wheel speed sensorWiring, typical values, multimeter and scope tests

Cases with P0501 (0)

Share yours

No published cases with this code yet.

Colleagues asking about P0501

Ask for help

Stuck on P0501? Describe what you measured and ask the community.

P0501: questions and answers

What does P0501 mean?

P0501: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance. The vehicle speed signal is present but implausible (jumps, doesn't match engine speed and gear).

What are the symptoms of P0501?

Speedometer not working or jumping. Erratic or no shifting on automatics. ABS or cruise control warnings.

What causes P0501?

Failing sensor or damaged tone ring. Wrong tyre size or ratio programmed. Intermittent wiring.

How do you diagnose P0501?

1. Graph vehicle speed on a road test 2. Check wheel speed sensors and tone rings 3. Check the tyre size coding

Can I drive with P0501?

Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.