P0500 (blink 42) on Toyota Corolla E120: VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION
Short answer: P0500 means “VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION”. The car’s computer has found a fault in the ECT A245E/A246E system and turns on the Malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine). First check: workshop check order (RM821E): INSPECT SPEEDOMETER (ATM) SENSOR -> CHECK WIRE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR(SPD − E1) -> INSPECT ECU.
- Code
- P0500 · blink 42
- System
- ECT A245E/A246E
- Dashboard light
- Malfunction indicator lamp (Check Engine)
- Applies to
- 4-speed A/T A245E/A246E (RM821E ECT section covers both). PK: ZZE121R-GEPNKP 1.6 auto = A246E 30500-1A761 (PartSouq EPC fig 3501). PK 1.3 NZE120 has no auto.
- Confidence
- high (official Toyota RM821E)
- Source
- toyotamanuals.gitlab.io
Symptoms and when it is set
- No vehicle speed sensor signal to Engine ECU under condi- tions (1) and (2); (2−trip detection logic) 1. Neutral start switch is OFF 2. Vehicle is being driven
Likely causes
- Combination meter; Wire harness; Engine ECU; Automatic transaxle (clutch, brake or gear etc,)
What to check, in order
- Workshop check order (RM821E): INSPECT SPEEDOMETER (ATM) SENSOR -> CHECK WIRE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR(SPD − E1) -> INSPECT ECU
Related on this car
Same code on other cars
- P0500 · Toyota Passo (1st gen)
- P0500 · Toyota Vitz (1st gen)
- P0500 · Toyota Corolla (11th gen, E170)
- P0500 · Toyota Corolla (10th gen, E140)
- P0500 · Honda City (5th gen, GM2)
- P0500 · Honda Civic (10th gen, FC)
- P0500 · Suzuki Wagon R (Pakistan, K10B)
- P0500 on all cars compared
Clearing the code does not fix the fault. If it comes back, the problem is still there. For brakes, airbags and steering, see a trained mechanic.

