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DTC codes / Toyota codes / P1700

P1700 · ToyotaVehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Fault

P1700 on Toyota vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for Vehicle Speed Sensor 2, which is the output speed sensor mounted on the automatic transaxle. The PCM compares this signal with the input speed sensor and other speed data, and it sets the code when the expected pulses are missing, erratic, or implausible.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeToyota specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaTransmission

Symptoms you may notice

  • The check engine light or automatic transmission warning light is illuminated on the dashboard.
  • The speedometer may read zero or fluctuate erratically while the vehicle is moving.
  • The transmission may shift harshly, flare between gears, or stay in a single gear due to loss of output speed data.
  • The cruise control may stop working or disengage unexpectedly.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent.
  • A stored code may be accompanied by a pending code or a freeze-frame showing the fault occurred at a specific vehicle speed.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failed Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 (output speed sensor) on the transaxle.
  2. Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring or connector pins at the sensor or PCM.
  3. An open or short circuit in the signal or ground wire between the sensor and the PCM.
  4. Metal debris or a damaged reluctor wheel inside the transaxle interfering with the sensor signal.
  5. A faulty PCM driver circuit, though this is less common than sensor or wiring faults.
  6. A poor ground connection shared with other sensors or the transaxle case.
  7. Aftermarket electrical accessories or a recent repair that disturbed the sensor harness.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm when and at what speed the fault occurred.
  2. Visually inspect the Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 connector and harness for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins.
  3. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the Toyota specification for the transaxle fitted.
  4. Check for AC voltage pulses from the sensor while spinning the wheels by hand or on a lift.
  5. Continuity-test the signal and ground wires from the sensor connector to the PCM, looking for opens or shorts.
  6. Inspect the sensor tip and reluctor wheel for metal shavings or damage, cleaning or replacing as needed.
  7. If all wiring and the sensor test good, substitute a known-good sensor or perform a PCM pinout test before condemning the PCM.

What Toyota techs check before replacing the sensor

  • A loose or corroded connector at the transaxle is far more common than a failed sensor, so always wiggle-test the harness while watching live speed data.
  • On some Toyota models, Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 is shared with the speedometer and cruise control, so a single bad sensor can cause multiple unrelated complaints.
  • Metal debris from a worn differential or bearing can collect on the sensor tip and cause an intermittent signal that mimics a failing sensor.
  • The code can set from a momentary glitch during a hard shift or wheelspin, so clear it and test-drive before authorizing parts replacement.
  • Aftermarket sensors often have different resistance values and can set the code again, so use a Toyota-quality replacement when a sensor is truly needed.

Can I keep driving with P1700?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop, but avoid sustained highway speeds and heavy acceleration because the transmission may shift unpredictably or enter limp mode. If the speedometer has failed completely or the transmission is stuck in one gear, limit driving to a short distance at low speed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Toyota vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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