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Home >> Pontiac >> 2003 >> Aztek AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls Self-Diagnostics >> Diagnostic Tests >> DTC P0503: Vehicle Speed Sensor Erratic >> Diagnostic Procedures
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Diagnostic Procedures

  1. Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? If yes, go to next step. If no, see DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
    2. NOTE: Before clearing the DTC, use scan tool in order to record the Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the PCM.
    CAUTION: Support the lower control arms in the normal horizontal position in order to avoid damage to the drive axles. Do not operate vehicle in gear with wheels hanging down at full travel.
  2. Install scan tool. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Record the DTC Freeze Frame and Failure Records. Clear the DTC. Raise and support drive wheels. Start and idle engine. Place transmission in Drive. Monitor Transmission OSS on scan tool. With drive wheels rotating, increase and decrease throttle position. Does the Transmission OSS RPM increase when wheel speed increases? If yes, go to next step. If no, see INTERMITTENTS in TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - 3.4L AZTEK & RENDEZVOUS article.
  3. Turn ignition off. Disconnect the PCM connector C1. Using the Connector Test Adapter Kit (J-35616-A), connect the DVOM between PCM harness connector terminals C1-64 and C1-65. Select AC volts on DVOM. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Place the range selector in a Drive range or Neutral. Rotate the right front drive wheel by hand, while observing the DVOM display. Does the voltage measure greater than 0.4 volt AC? If yes, go to step  8. If no, go to next step.
  4. Leave the DVOM test leads connected between PCM harness connector terminals C1-64 and C1-65. Select ohms on DVOM. Measure resistance of the complete VSS circuit. Is circuit resistance 1650-3180 ohms? If yes, go to step  9. If no, go to next step.
  5. Is circuit resistance greater than 3180 ohms? If yes, go to step  11. If no, go to next step.
  6. Leave the DVOM test leads connected between PCM harness connector terminals C1-64 and C1-65. Disconnect the VSS connector at the transmission. Test the high signal circuit (CKT 400) and low signal circuit (CKT 401) of the VSS for a short together. Are the signal and ground circuits shorted together? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  14.
  7. Repair short between the high signal circuit (CKT 400) and low signal circuit (CKT 401). After repairs, go to step  16.
  8. Test the high signal circuit (CKT 400) of the VSS for a short to ground between the PCM and the VSS. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  16. If no, go to step  15.
  9. Reconnect the PCM connector C1. Select DC volts on DVOM. Using the Connector Test Adapter Kit (J-35616-A), connect the DVOM between terminals "A" and "B" of the VSS vehicle harness. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Does the DVOM display greater than 1.0 volt? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  13.
  10. Repair short to power in the high signal circuit (CKT 400). After repairs, go to step  16.
  11. Test the high signal circuit (CKT 400) of the VSS for an open between the PCM and the VSS. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  16. If no, go to next step.
  12. Test the low signal circuit (CKT 401) of the VSS for an open between the PCM and the VSS. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  16. If no, go to step  14.
  13. Remove the VSS assembly. See appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING article in AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Inspect the VSS and the transmission for the following:
    • Incorrect VSS.
    • VSS damage.
    • Excessive runout in the final drive carrier assembly.
    • Excessive VSS to speed sensor rotor gap.
    • Incorrect speed sensor rotor alignment.
    • Speed sensor rotor damage.

    Repair any of the items as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step  16. If no, go to next step.

  14. Replace VSS assembly. After repairs, go to step  16.
  15. Replace PCM. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - AZTEC & RENDEZVOUS article. Reprogram PCM. See POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE  under PROGRAMMING. After repairs, go to next step.
  16. Perform the following procedure in order to verify the repair:
    • Select DTC.
    • Select Clear Info.
    • Drive the vehicle so that the Transmission OSS is greater than 300 RPM for at least 2 seconds.
    • Select Specific DTC.
    • Enter DTC P0503.

    Has the test run and passed? If yes, system is okay, If no, go to step  1.

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