2019 Subaru Outback - Eyesight Disabled - P0500 VSS Fault

Question

While driving on the highway, my speedometer suddenly dropped to zero and a Christmas tree of lights came on. The EyeSight cameras disabled themselves and the 'Brake' light is flashing.

I scanned it and got P0500 for Vehicle Speed Sensor. The car drives fine otherwise, but I have no cruise control and no idea how fast I'm going. Is there a specific sensor on the transmission I should be looking for? It's a CVT model.

OvernightOscar · Accepted Answer

✅ Confirmed fix: Double check your brake light bulbs. On Subarus, a blown brake light or a short in the trailer hitch wiring can feedback through the BIU (Body Integrated Unit) and take out the VSS signal data bus. In my case, a melted trailer wiring converter was shorting the CAN bus and causing the P0500. Replacing the trailer harness and the fuse restored the speedometer and EyeSight functions.

ScannerSandy · Answer

On the CVT models, the VSS signal is actually calculated via the ABS module from the wheel speed sensors. Since you inspected them, check the main harness connector for the ABS pump. Corrosion in that 30-pin connector can cause signal loss to the ECM.

2019 Subaru Outback - Eyesight Disabled - P0500 VSS Fault

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