I have a P0500 code and a pending p0500. Lights are on, Engine light, ABS, brake and cruise control flashing.
Speedometer shows zero. Won't shift back into Reverse or Park if in drive unless I turn off car.

I incorrectly determined my year/model Outback did not have a VSS sensor in the transmission.
Replaced a bad wheel speed sensor on the front left that tested no continuity with my ohm meter.
I cleared the codes, but both came back immediately.

Here are my questions:
1. Which sensor and location of the three on the replacement transmission wiring harness is failing to send speed?
2. I tested Ohms to identify a bad speed sensor at the main harness connector but got a good reading on both sensor 1 and sensor 2. Could the sensor be bad and need replacement if the ohm test passes?  Could it send P0500 engine code and cause zero on speedometer?
3. I see people splicing the wires to swap out a hard-wired sensor that is part of the harness to avoid opening the transmission to access the 4th plug. Is this ok?
4. A mechanic friend gave me a new wire harness that he cut off sensor 1 and spliced it in for a customer..

Can I use speed sensor 2 from this new harness to replace sensor 1??? They look exactly the same. lol

5. The price I saw for a new harness from Subaru is $300, but I found it at Garage-Pro at $50. Is that acceptable quality?

 

 

 

SaveShare

Edited March 20, 20242 yr by Waynehill
clarify questions

I have 200 views but no replies!

Maybe many people are having related problems but do not have the answers.

Here are the results of my research.

The first sensor on the transmission wiring harness closest to the engine is the Torque Convertor turbine Speed sensor. It does not control the speedometer.

The last sensor with a connector is the Rear Speed Sensor and it does not control the speedometer. I tried replacing it.

The middle sensor is called the Front Speed sensor, ( not to be confused with the front wheel speed sensors). I believe it controls the speedometer by process of elimination.  I will cut the wire and splice in the new sensor.

The whole wiring harness is also called the "speed sensor" but it has 3 sensors on it.

A good Transmission shop may be able to diagnose the problem further.  Worth a try.  If you need the sensor and wiring harness, I'd hit a self-serve junk yard and pull them.  Swap them in and go.

Trying to save $1000 at the tranny shop.  I'm getting a OE level code reader to help me identify the cause of the p0500.  I found a Foxwell NT510 Elite that they sell for only $150. You have to get the right software update for your make and model if available.

I have a new wire harness. Already swapped the rear speed sensor because it had a connector and only 1 bolt but it did not fix the problem.

Edited March 29, 20242 yr by Waynehill

Sometimes a bad ground can cause electrical mayhem. May or may not be related to your problems.

Called Tranny shop to see what they would charge. $200.00 just for the diagnosis!

Used my electric meter to test continuity on all three sensors and they looked good. Not sure how to search for a bad ground.

I think the OE level code reader will provide the detailed live data for all the sensors and help me narrow in on the problem.