Engine light (on&off), PO500 code, VSS is fine

Hi, I'm new here. I have a 2005 automatic bought new. Love this truck, to my knowledge have had all recalls dealt with. My engine light has been going on and off (mostly on). The code PO500 shows up had looked at and the VSS was replaced (but was not a Toyota part). The light still goes on and off. After this, I had dealership look and they couldn't find anything with VSS and said they'd have to put a Toyota VSS part on first (I kept the old VSS) and if that isn't the problem they'd need to go through and 'check all the electrical which is very expensive.' I really can't stand going into the dealership, but thought if they could tell me what is wrong I could get it done somewhere else. I'm a gal that doesn't work on my truck, and I try to study all I can about what could be the problem before I go to a mechanic. I'm sure they look at me and have $$$$$ in there eyes. I did not get that fixed in May, but Now my registration is due (Oct) and I have to get a smog cert (but not at a STAR station) the guy said it will not pass with that code. So now I'm in a spot to get it taken care of.

Should I have them check all the electrical?
Speedometer works...so does that mean drive gear replacement probably wouldn't be the answer?
I think they just want to screw me out of $ to put that Toyota VSS back on, or is that legit?
I want to note here (don't know if it is relevant) in Jun my SRS light came on (and from the light etc the owners Manual said Emergency go straight to dealer it is dangerous)they said something rolled under passenger seat that triggered that. They turned light off, whatever, but when I looked under seat and around there was nothing that could have triggered it. SO is that connected to this electrical type issue?

If you read through all this bless your heart! Any help would be appreciated.

R.J.

 

@tacomaFlippac
Here is the trouble chart for the P0500 Code scroll down to page # 6. It will explain what causes the code and troubleshooting steps.

Best of luck.

https://www.customtacos.com/tech.ol...06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/0050037.pdf

 

Thanks Jimmyh I printed it out and I looked on the other threads about this issue...for my case looks like it could be a.)ECM b.)speedometer cluster/cluster circuit board or c.)wiring between the cluster and the ECM. If you were me and dealer said they need to check all electrical, is that legit? Or would you say it's a, b, or c. Let's start there?

Your help is so appreciated!
R.J.

 

The dealer should be able to connect with Techstream software and Diagnostics Pad and read the signals from the various sensors and determine where it is getting lost in general and then narrow it down from there. There should be no need to check the entire electrical system.

You could probably inspect the wiring harness going to the wheel sensors.

Wire routing charts: https://www.customtacos.com/tech.ol...oyewd/06toypdf/ewd/2006/tacoma/g/em01d0up.pdf