CEL "speed sensor" code returned after replacing sensor

The check engine light has come on and off for the past few months. It doesn't flash and there are no other lights that come on with it. I haven't noticed any issues with the truck. The code was read by 2 different readers and both came back as a ""speed sensor" so I had it replaced and they cleared the code. However, it came back after a couple hundred miles....arggh. The mechanic said it's something a dealer needs to deal with but didnt explain anymore than that. Another mechanic said it may be a "software issue"...what the heck is that & what should I expect it to cost?

 

First off, welcome to TW. Secondly, is everything functioning fine? If it is, and it were me, I’d probably just leave it be and recheck every week or two and see if any new CEL codes popped up.

 

It would help if you would present the codes that are now present.

 

The truck seems to be running fine & the codes indicate "speed sensor". Sorry but don't have the actual code number but like I said, both mechanics siad speed sensor.

 

Without codes, people would be guessing.

 

No need to guess, code was for a speed sensor. It was replaced but the SAME code continues to come back.

 

There's multiple "speed sensor" related codes. Without knowing which one, trying to assist you with any diagnosis is...guessing.

Pro tip: just because the code relates/refers to a component, rarely does a code mean that said component has out-right failed. It's a diagnostic road sign, it's there to point you in the right direction. There are literally thousands of codes.

 

Ok, I understand now. I'll see if I can dig up the exact codes. Thanks for the explanation.

 

The code is P0500

 

Is that of any help?

 

Yes , it really helps .
On the left side of your avatar , update it to indicate the year of your truck and the size of the motor . Is it 4x4 ? Does it have an automatic or manual transmission ?
Make it look similar to mine
Doing this will get you the best answers cuz we are already going to know what you are driving .

Now to the code
. I am suprised your mechanic didnt explain much to you other than replacing one speed sensor ? Lets hope he replaced the correct one .
Have you had any issues with the speedometer on your dash ?
Keep in mind that the problem could be a broken wire from the speed sensor going up to the computer in your truck .This needs to be diagnosed properly following a diagnostic breakdown tree as mentioned above but a broken wire ( Loss of communication ) is common .
Here is the diagnostic breakdown tree for your code , but this is for the 4 liter version of a Tacoma . P0500 Is not an easy code to diagnose. I dont think it hurts much to drive with the light on if you are trying to save cash
I noticed you posted in the second gen forum , so I will assume you have a 2nd gen truck .
https://www.customtacos.com/tech.ol...06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/0050037.pdf

 

I wanted to let you know that my Japanese car mechanic found the problem was the instrument cluster, which is dealer item only. He had the dealer establish the existing mileage in the new speedometer part and installed it today.