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1996 Dodge Stratus P0500 Code: Output Speed Sensor Issue and Speedometer Failure Diagnosis

Model: 1996 Dodge Stratus Fault Code: P0500 Posted: 2016-09-07 18:34

I recently purchased a 1996 Dodge Stratus with a 2.4L engine, and was aware of existing gauge problems. I've already attempted the solder fix on the back of the speed sensor circuit board, which provided some improvement—but I continue to receive a P0500 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for the output speed sensor, along with a non-functional speedometer. I replaced the output speed sensor in hopes of resolving both the P0500 code and the speedometer malfunction. However, the issue persists. Now I'm trying to verify voltage and continuity on the sensor harness but am unsure which wire is powered (hot) and which serves as ground. The connector has two wires: one blue with black tracer and another green with purple tracer. I understand that this vehicle also has both an input speed sensor (ISS) and an output speed sensor (OSS), but based on my research, only the OSS should be responsible for speedometer function and P0500. The transmission shifts smoothly, which leads me to believe the vehicle speed sensor is functioning correctly. My main question: How do I identify the correct hot wire in this harness? And what voltage should I expect under key-on engine-off (KOEO) conditions? Thanks for any guidance on wiring or testing procedures specific to the 1996 Dodge Stratus with a 41TE transmission.

Related fault codes
P0500
Comments (7)
Anonymous 2016-09-08 08:34

The wire colors have faded over time. Original markings: Green with purple (LG/VT) — this is typically the signal wire and should read around 8V when key is in run position. Blue with black (DB/BR) — this is ground, confirmed as T13 on the harness.

Anonymous 2016-09-08 22:43

While the colors may be faded, access to the connector requires lifting the vehicle. The green wire with purple tracer—does that carry approximately 8 volts when the key is in the run position?

Anonymous 2016-09-09 10:01

Yes — measure voltage under Key On, Engine Off (KOEO) conditions.

Anonymous 2016-09-09 18:31

Houston and Kev — we have a problem. Under KOEO, I'm reading only 0.03 volts on the green wire with purple tracer. Where does this signal originate? And what is its expected voltage source?

Anonymous 2016-09-10 08:48

I don't have official specs for the 41TE transmission, but I'm curious: What's the typical voltage difference between the input speed sensor (ISS) and output speed sensor (OSS)?

Anonymous 2016-09-10 14:38

I haven't tested the ISS yet. I'll do so later. Based on my research, the 41TE transmission was the only one available with a 2.4L engine in the 1996 Dodge Stratus model.

Anonymous 2016-09-11 19:33

I didn't test the input speed sensor (ISS) this weekend. I plan to check it tomorrow and update accordingly.