I'm on my way back to the states from AK and bikes throughing a P0502. Of course I'm hundreds of miles from a dealer here in the Yukon. Bike runs but no speedo and idles like poop. Is it OK to run it till I can get to a dealer here in Canada?
Oh...and the starter was JUST changed 2 weeks ago!
Error code P0502 is "P0502 VSS Sensor High/Open".
The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is powered and monitored by the ECM. The ECM processes the VSS and transmits this signal to the TSM/TSSM/HFSM and speedometer through serial data.
Basically, it's a magnetic pickup that detects teeth on the output shaft of the transmission. The ECM takes that input and uses it in a digital format the speedo understands.
To trouble shoot, the manual suggests the following for either VSS low or VSS high/open:
Remove and clean VSS (located in front of the starter). Clear codes and check again.
Check for continuity between the wiring harness connector's Black/Red wire and ground. (shouldn't be grounded)
Check for continuity between the wiring harness connector's Black/Red wire and the ECM connector (they use a breakout box for this, but you can do it manually, it will be at pin 14 on the ECM connector and a Red/White wire)
Check for continuity between the wiring harness connector's Black wire and ground. Should have continuity.
Check for continuity between the wiring harness connector's Black/Blue wire and the ECM connector (they use a breakout box for this, but you can do it manually, it will be at pin 33 on the ECM connector and a Black/Blue wire)
Check voltage at Pin 33 of ECM. This will need to be done with the ECM plugged in, so might be a tad harder. But, the specs are; 4-6 volts when gear tooth is absent and 0-1 volt when gear tooth is present. (Voltage will fluctuate if bike is moved at all is my understanding between those values)
The short version is:
Clean the VSS.
Check continuity of the wires and make sure there are not loose connections, shorts, or breaks.
If the voltage at the ECM doesn't fluctuate within spec replace the VSS.
Otherwise, replace the ECM.
Your idle is bad because the VSS feeds pulses to the idle control sensor. I'm not sure, but it may also feed your cruise control. Is your cruise working? Lacking other symptoms, if you're unable to correct the problem on the road, I don't believe you will do any damage by continuing to ride to the nearest dealer...