P1590

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

speed

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 21 EN: 50 RU: 29

AI status

Completed

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Page language: EN

Causes

Faulty vehicle speed sensor (VSS) or engine/crankshaft/camshaft speed sensor
Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring or connector to the speed sensor
Faulty ABS/wheel speed sensor or tone ring (if vehicle speed derived from ABS module)
Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor
Intermittent connector contact or water ingress
Faulty PCM/ECM or ABS module (rare)

Symptoms

Check Engine Light illuminated (MIL)
Speedometer or odometer inoperative, jumping, or erratic
Cruise control unavailable or disengages
Transmission may shift improperly or go into limp mode
ABS or traction control warnings may appear if ABS-derived speed used
Inconsistent engine idle or stalling in rare cases when ECM relies on speed input

What to check

Read stored freeze-frame and all related codes with a full OEM-capable scan tool
Compare vehicle speed reading from the PCM to ABS/wheel-speed live data and to an independent reference (GPS or scanner)
Inspect sensor connector and wiring harness for damage, corrosion, or water ingress
Check for related ABS or CAN communication codes (C- and U-codes)
Perform wiggle test on wiring while watching live speed signal for intermittent faults
Visually inspect ABS tone ring(s) and wheel sensors for physical damage or missing teeth

Signal parameters

Signal type: pulsed/digital frequency signal (depends on sensor type — hall-effect, inductive, or switched)
Rest condition: frequency = 0 Hz (no motion)
Operating: frequency increases proportionally with vehicle/wheel/engine speed
Amplitude: typical hall-type sensors produce a digital square wave (0–5V or 0–12V depending on vehicle); inductive sensors produce an AC sine/pulse whose amplitude and frequency rise with speed
Expected behavior: smooth, continuous waveform without dropouts; similar speed values reported across modules (PCM vs ABS)

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve all DTCs and freeze-frame data; note related ABS/CAN codes. 2. Observe live data: vehicle speed (PCM), wheel speeds (ABS), and any engine speed where applicable. Look for discrepancies. 3. Verify physical condition of the suspected speed sensor connector(s) and wiring; repair any corrosion or damage. 4. Check sensor supply/reference voltage and ground with a DMM. 5. Probe the signal wire with an oscilloscope while rotating the wheel or driving to confirm waveform integrity (or use a lab scope-capable scanner). 6. If waveform absent or implausible, check wiring continuity/short-to-power/short-to-ground. 7. Replace the speed sensor if bench/test indicates failure. 8. Inspect ABS tone ring(s) and wheel bearing area for missing or damaged teeth and repair/replace as needed. 9. Clear codes and road test; verify speed signals remain consistent and code does not return. 10. If wiring, sensor, and ABS hardware check good, consider module communication check and PCM/ABS software updates or module testing at dealer level.

Likely causes

Open/shorted signal wire between VSS and PCM
Corroded or loose sensor connector at the transmission/ABS unit
Damaged ABS tone ring or wheel speed sensor for one or more wheels
Failed vehicle speed sensor (most common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Manufacturer-specific fault indicating a missing, implausible, or inconsistent speed signal reported to the engine control module. Systems relying on speed input may be affected.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-3.0 hours

Repair manuals

Manual library for LAND ROVER

413

Browse 413 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

LAND ROVER

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