CAN Data Link

CAN Data Link

"CAN" is an acronym for Controller Area Network.

The ECM communicates with all databus capable control modules by a CAN Data Link.

The databus capable control modules (i.e. Engine Coolant temperature Sensor) are connected by two data bus wires which are twisted together (CAN_High and CAN_Low), and exchange information (messages) to the ECM. Missing information on the databus is then recognized and stored as a malfunction.

The ECM illuminates the MIL through the CAN data link and tells the MIL to turn on, turn off, or blink.