High Speed Controller Area Network (Can)

The CAN is a serial communication language protocol used to transfer signal messages between electronic modules or nodes. Two or more signals can be sent over one CAN circuit allowing 2 or more electronic modules or nodes to communicate with each other. This communication or multiplexing network operates at 500 kB/sec (kilobytes per second) and allows the electronic modules to share their information messages.

Included in these messages is diagnostic data that is output over the CAN + and CAN - lines to the DLC. The PCM connection to the DLC is typically done with a 2 wire, twisted pair cable used for the network interconnection. The diagnostic data such as self-test or PIDs can be accessed with a scan tool. For additional information on scan tool equipment, refer to Diagnostic Methods.