speedometer dies at times
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
speedometer dies at times
On my 08 Vette the speedometer needle will start to bounce around wildly then settle at zero. A short time later it begins to bounce around again and goes back to normal. If the radio is on the sound drops off at the same time. Sometimes the dash displays service traction control. When the speedometer starts working again the traction control display also clears. On one occasion the check engine lite came on. The code was p0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Voltage ECM.
I've been waiting for complete failure before taking it in for service, but it
just continues to come and go. Anyone have any ideas? The car does nor have the telescopic steering wheel.
I've been waiting for complete failure before taking it in for service, but it
just continues to come and go. Anyone have any ideas? The car does nor have the telescopic steering wheel.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 6
From: LOS ANGELES CA.
Check your wiring
On my 08 Vette the speedometer needle will start to bounce around wildly then settle at zero. A short time later it begins to bounce around again and goes back to normal. If the radio is on the sound drops off at the same time. Sometimes the dash displays service traction control. When the speedometer starts working again the traction control display also clears. On one occasion the check engine lite came on. The code was p0502 Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) Circuit Low Voltage ECM.
I've been waiting for complete failure before taking it in for service, but it
just continues to come and go. Anyone have any ideas? The car does nor have the telescopic steering wheel.
I've been waiting for complete failure before taking it in for service, but it
just continues to come and go. Anyone have any ideas? The car does nor have the telescopic steering wheel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,518
Likes: 1,304
From: Windermere FL
I had similar problems.
First thing to do is to have your battery load tested. If it is weak, it can cause all kinds of computer related issues.
Next, pull the codes. You can usually borrow a scan tool from Auto Zone to Advanced Auto. This might possibly point you in the right direction.
If none of this helps you, you will have to take it to a Stealership while it is occurring so they can have their Tech2 try to talk to all the computers. Don't shutoff the car or the code will go away and they will have to keep driving it until it reoccurs.
In my case what was happening was the Dashtronix unit was causing the GM Data Bus to shutdown. This caused all kinds of codes, SAH/STC,, tranny not shifting, and all the dash gauges going crazy. The fine folks at Dashtronix sent me a new unit and it never reoccurred. The computers are the Achilles Heal of these cars. Not like the old days where the VSS was a separate wire.
First thing to do is to have your battery load tested. If it is weak, it can cause all kinds of computer related issues.
Next, pull the codes. You can usually borrow a scan tool from Auto Zone to Advanced Auto. This might possibly point you in the right direction.
If none of this helps you, you will have to take it to a Stealership while it is occurring so they can have their Tech2 try to talk to all the computers. Don't shutoff the car or the code will go away and they will have to keep driving it until it reoccurs.
In my case what was happening was the Dashtronix unit was causing the GM Data Bus to shutdown. This caused all kinds of codes, SAH/STC,, tranny not shifting, and all the dash gauges going crazy. The fine folks at Dashtronix sent me a new unit and it never reoccurred. The computers are the Achilles Heal of these cars. Not like the old days where the VSS was a separate wire.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Thanks. I'll have the battery loaded tested. It seems to ok , but you never know. The only code that ever showed up was the p0502 which I have since cleared. As the problem has continued to come and go the code has not come back in.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,014
Likes: 829
Hey rrowland,
If you decide to the dealership, keep me posted so I can help out! I can call them on your behalf and assist you through the repair. Private message me with your personal information including your VIN and mileage. Also reference this thread.
Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care
If you decide to the dealership, keep me posted so I can help out! I can call them on your behalf and assist you through the repair. Private message me with your personal information including your VIN and mileage. Also reference this thread.
Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I did check with the dealer. They checked the VIN and found no recalls or warranty for the car. It won't be going there until it craps out completely.
As for the post about the diff sensor, is there a way to check it with a multimeter?
As for the post about the diff sensor, is there a way to check it with a multimeter?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 618
Likes: 66
I have a 2008 Z06 and since nearly my first track day (I've done about 15 now) intermittently my speedo goes to zero when I'm over 100mph! Happened yesterday at the end of BIR striaght going about 150.. Once I slow enough to get around 100, it comes back every time..
Finally threw a code that may be related (never has before yesterday) and CEL came on - it is indeed P0502. Also threw P0503. These say vehicle speed sensor A circuit low input for P0502 and intermittent / erratic / high for P0503 (you can call that one correct!).
Anyway, going in Thursday for my driver door not working and a scan tool can diagnose the short if there is one for that.. I'll ask about those codes as well..
Of note I also threw B0561 which is some kind of ABS code and I do have 4 new wheel bearings (SKF HD) which include new ABS sensors (but speedo code has been going on way before new bearings in).. But the car really didn't have any brake issues despite getting into ABS several times.. This stuff for me only happens when HOT at track. But the car still seems to pass all the others ; ).
Kelly J from Chevy, does your invite apply to me too even though I've ventured out of warranty-ville?
Finally threw a code that may be related (never has before yesterday) and CEL came on - it is indeed P0502. Also threw P0503. These say vehicle speed sensor A circuit low input for P0502 and intermittent / erratic / high for P0503 (you can call that one correct!).
Anyway, going in Thursday for my driver door not working and a scan tool can diagnose the short if there is one for that.. I'll ask about those codes as well..
Of note I also threw B0561 which is some kind of ABS code and I do have 4 new wheel bearings (SKF HD) which include new ABS sensors (but speedo code has been going on way before new bearings in).. But the car really didn't have any brake issues despite getting into ABS several times.. This stuff for me only happens when HOT at track. But the car still seems to pass all the others ; ).
Kelly J from Chevy, does your invite apply to me too even though I've ventured out of warranty-ville?
Last edited by 80atez; Jul 30, 2013 at 05:25 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
I have an 05 and NEVER had a problem w/my speedometer UNTIL I had a 2800 converter installed.. then at the track it stays at 0 until I cross the finish line @ app 115 mph, & after I let off the gas and slow down a little it will pop up to the correct speed (app 100 mph) and be fine until I make another run..
This never happens on the street, but I don't nail it from a dead stop as it will just spin the Drag Radials on the street...
This never happens on the street, but I don't nail it from a dead stop as it will just spin the Drag Radials on the street...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,014
Likes: 829
I have a 2008 Z06 and since nearly my first track day (I've done about 15 now) intermittently my speedo goes to zero when I'm over 100mph! Happened yesterday at the end of BIR striaght going about 150.. Once I slow enough to get around 100, it comes back every time..
Finally threw a code that may be related (never has before yesterday) and CEL came on - it is indeed P0502. Also threw P0503. These say vehicle speed sensor A circuit low input for P0502 and intermittent / erratic / high for P0503 (you can call that one correct!).
Anyway, going in Thursday for my driver door not working and a scan tool can diagnose the short if there is one for that.. I'll ask about those codes as well..
Of note I also threw B0561 which is some kind of ABS code and I do have 4 new wheel bearings (SKF HD) which include new ABS sensors (but speedo code has been going on way before new bearings in).. But the car really didn't have any brake issues despite getting into ABS several times.. This stuff for me only happens when HOT at track. But the car still seems to pass all the others ; ).
Kelly J from Chevy, does your invite apply to me too even though I've ventured out of warranty-ville?
Finally threw a code that may be related (never has before yesterday) and CEL came on - it is indeed P0502. Also threw P0503. These say vehicle speed sensor A circuit low input for P0502 and intermittent / erratic / high for P0503 (you can call that one correct!).
Anyway, going in Thursday for my driver door not working and a scan tool can diagnose the short if there is one for that.. I'll ask about those codes as well..
Of note I also threw B0561 which is some kind of ABS code and I do have 4 new wheel bearings (SKF HD) which include new ABS sensors (but speedo code has been going on way before new bearings in).. But the car really didn't have any brake issues despite getting into ABS several times.. This stuff for me only happens when HOT at track. But the car still seems to pass all the others ; ).
Kelly J from Chevy, does your invite apply to me too even though I've ventured out of warranty-ville?
Of course it does!
Send me your info and I will look at what is happening with your Z! Mailbox has been emptied and I will be checking back this afternoon. Sorry about that! Please provide your VIN and mileage and we can go from there. Thanks,
Kelly J.
Chevrolet Customer Care