P0500 woes

2001 4runner SR5 2wd automatic

I made a post about this in May, but I have made 0 progress with this issue.

On Memorial Day, I had a pretty hard hit on the passenger side of my car going 10-20 mph (uneven pavement in a parking lot)

When I got in my car the next morning, I noticed that I had:

- A non-working speedometer
- A non-working odometer
- Code P0500
- Lights on my dash for VSS, TRAC and BRAKE

My Tachometer still works, and so do my temp and fuel gages.

I have tried.

- Scanning the ABS codes (The light doesn't flash when I use a jumper wire)
- Change the passenger side speed sensors where the impact occurred (front and back).

Admittedly, my efforts have not been tireless as I am a full-time student and currently working, so I can't afford an evening to dedicate to troubleshooting, especially when it involves disassembly.

I have seen the ABS VSS TRC Skid control module being an issue that can cause this, so I am considering just ordering one from eBay. However, since this came from a concussive event, I am wondering if the issue could derive from the gauge cluster breaking in some way, which could theoretically cause the same issue (I think)

I have a new motivation to try and solve this, as my inspection is due by the end of October, and I will need to pass inspection (North Carolina)

Let me know what you all think.

 

VSS, TRAC will come on whenever you have a CEL (check engine light). I would not entirely focus on that.

What kind of hit was it? Just like a pothole?

I would concentrate on the speedometer and why that's not working. I agree, maybe you have a damaged gauge or something came loose.

 

A little searching and I'm beginning to believe your initial assessment for that module being bad may be correct:

 

I plan on removing the module and inspecting it before purchasing another, my model year happens to have the more expensive module as far as eBay goes and I don't want to throw $170 at a $1700 car without making sure it isn't simply a broken wire.

This is a dumb question, but does anyone know if the car is operable without the unit? I would assume yes, but if not, I would want to remove it with plenty of time to put it back.

 

Succes! I ordered a new TRC VSC Control module (Part number 89540-35270) and the Speedometer/odometer came back immediatly. $220 later and I am able to use cruise control again!

 

Thanks for the update. This is good to know.