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96 Jetta P0501 code

Hello,

I just purchased a 1996 Jetta GLS that is throwing a P0501 (Vehicle Sensor A - Range/Performace) code.

It starts cold perfectly and runs for a while without problems. After it warms up, it will stall at idle, or low rpm if not under load. After it stalls I need to wait anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours for it to start up again (I think this is dependant on outside temps and how quickly it cools down.). When it starts it does so like nothing is wrong.

The car seemed well maintained when I bought it. Fairly new VW coil, new distributor and Hall sender, spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires, etc....

When I looked up the code I saw to check the Hall sender and Vehicle sensors. Since the Hall sender was fairly new, I assumed it was the vehicle sensors. I replaced both of them but the problem still exists.

I don't know if this is enough info to make a diagnosis on, but if anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate feedback. If you want additional info, just ask and I'll do what I can to answer you.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

z
Reply to
zatatime
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= Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance I think you forgot the 'Speed' in your code, or that tool did. :-)

The ECM must not be getting information about how fast the vehicle is moving, or not moving. If you had the ross-tech.com tool you might get a little more information as to what is wrong and have the ability to test components. This means less you have to spend on parts you might not need! ;-) BTW there might be 2 speed sensors on the transmission.

JMHO later, dave (One out of many daves)

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Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

Thanks for your reply.

I forgot the "speed" in the error description. The tool had it right.

I don't have the Vag-Com or Bentley book at this point. The Bentley book is on order, and I'm still going back and forth on the Vag-Com since I don't have a laptop. I totally understand what you mean about buying extra parts! Trying to do the best I can without them at this point since I need the car. I do have access to All-Data, but I doubt that's as good as the Bentley books.

I did find both VSS's and replaced them. When this didn't work I posted my question since the Hall sensor and distributor were replaced recently (not the cap, the actual distributor housing). In searching the web I found P0501 has the VW equivalent of 16885. It seems for that error only the cam and "crank" sensors could be the culprit. I think the "crank" sensors are the VSS's on the trans as you noted and both were replaced. Since both parts are new (Hall and VSS), I'm at a loss at how to proceed.

Thanks again for your reply. z

Reply to
zatatime

check the wiring with a digital Volt Ohm Meter I had a broken wire going to my VSS on my '91 Passat auto trans.

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

Thanks for your reply. I've started that daunting task by going through the fuse panel pretty well, and then to the alarm. Since I have a parts car that doesn't have anything like this wrong with it, I'm doing some swapping out at the same time. I think I need to wait for my Bentley book before I'll be able to trace it all the way through, unless someone can describe how to check that back to the box without too much trouble.

z
Reply to
zatatime

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