Intermittent CEL Code P0500???

[sheltiemom]

Hello,My first post here. Thanks in advance for any assistance or insights you can offer.For the past month the Check Engine Light on my 2004 AWD Vibe has been lighting up intermittently and unpredictably. (I bought the car used with about 16,000 miles and a year's warranty left on it and currently only have 31,900+ miles on it.) Have taken it to dealer for diagnostics and all they can come up with is Code P0500. They have not been able to reproduce the problem and supposedly have contacted the TAC who (they tell me) have never seen this particular set of circumstances before.According to the list of codes I found on this site, Code P0500 can point to these things:open or short in speed sensor circuitspeed sensorcombination meterECMStability Control ECU (I don't have stability control so I'd guess this is a non-starter)I have had no probems with the speedometer.What is the ECM?Anyway, they have told me to drive the car until the lights go on steadily.The worst of all this is that they tell me I may have to replace the ABS and Traction control thingies to the tune of $2020 plus probably more $$$ for diagnostics.What's a grammy to do??? What other things could be checked? Is it possible that there may be a simpler and less costly explanation for this problem? I'm not too pleased that a relatively low mileage car that I have maintained conscientiously may need such an outrageously expensive repair.Thanks again for any help you may provide.

[Raven]

The ECM is the computer that controls just about everything in the car. I'm not sure about the Vibe but most vehicles have a seperate speed sensor which is easily and relatively cheaply replaced. If your car has ABS there is a seperate sensor for each wheel which is also an easy fix. Sounds like they are trying to hose you for unecessary repairs, get a second or third opinion. Dealers are desperate for money right now and may be becoming increasingly unscrupulous.