P0501 — Vehicle speed sensor: implausible value
| Meaning | The speed signal does not match what the ECU calculates from the other data. On modern cars speed comes from the ABS sensors, so that is often where the problem is. |
| Family | Powertrain (P) |
Typical symptoms
Cruise control refusing to engage
Harsh automatic gear changes
ABS or ESP light on as well
Common causes
Damaged magnetic bearing ring
Sensor wiring broken near the wheel arch
Tyres of a different size than specified
Faulty ABS control unit
What to do
Frequently asked questions
What does code P0501 mean?
Vehicle speed sensor: implausible value. The speed signal does not match what the ECU calculates from the other data. On modern cars speed comes from the ABS sensors, so that is often where the problem is.
Can I keep driving with code P0501 active?
With caution: limp mode possible, have it checked soon
Common causes — P0501
Dirty or faulty wheel speed sensor Damaged magnetic bearing ring Sensor wiring broken near the wheel arch Tyres of a different size than specified Faulty ABS control unit
How do you fix code P0501?
Read all four wheel speeds on the diagnostic tool during a road test: the one behaving differently points straight at the corner. Before ordering a sensor, clean it — it is often just metal debris stuck to the tip.
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Contact usRelated codes
- P0500 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
- P0502 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Low Input
- P0503 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent/Erratic/High
- P0504 — Brake Switch Correlation Error
- P0505 — Idle Control System Malfunction
- P0506 — Idle Control System RPM lower Than Expected
- P0507 — Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
- P0508 — Idle Air Control System Circuit Low
- P0509 — Idle Air Control System Circuit High
- P0510 — Closed Throttle Position Switch Malfunction
- P0511 — Idle Air Control Circuit
- P0512 — Starter Request Circuit