CAN BUS Basics

●Ducati North America

This is a quick presentation on the basics of CAN bus and how an understanding of its

purpose can drive the bottom line.

What is CAN BUS?

Controller Area Network (CAN) was initially created by German automotive system supplier Robert Bosch as a method for enabling robust serial communication for automotive applications.

CAN BUS Purpose?

. The goal was to make automobiles more reliable while decreasing wiring harness weight and complexity through the use of a shared bus.

Prior to CAN BUS

● Ever work on a vintage car?

– Say the power windows are inop...

– The loop of wire and motors and switches was not only inconsistent, but agonizingly hard to isolate.

Enter CAN BUS

● Breaks systems into workable sections● Allows use of a NETWORK to isolate

issues and concerns● Enables diagnostic through DDS, TECH3,

DRBII... whichever firmware is prescribed for your system

● Increases affordability and reliability – and if you're in the service department... profit if used correctly.

How's CAN BUS work?

● Let's look at how its put together...

● Sensors & “Nodes” wired into 2 wire network

● 1's and 0's based a positive and negative charge.

● The 2 wires carry data in binary form...

Let's go back to the car...

Remember the Windows?

In a CAN BUS vehicle...

● You would be able to isolate the components of the Electric Window system... using diagnostic equipment.

– You could search for a fault in the body controller

– You could search for switch activation

– You could isolate each motor

● But you would still have to use critical thinking to properly diagnose the cause.

What Does CAN BUS See?

What Does CAN BUS See?

How does this Apply to You?

● Earlier we mentioned critical thinking– What diagnoses a failed vehicle?

● CAN BUS?● PC?● Software?

How does this Apply to You?

● Earlier we mentioned critical thinking– What diagnoses a failed vehicle?

● CAN BUS?● PC?● Software?

● What about experienced/trained technicians?

Ford Expedition Idles/Runs Poorly... advise

● Duplicate concern● Diagnose with DRBII● Fault code indicates fault with Mass Air

Flow Sensor & O2 sensor.– What's next?

On the Powersports Side

On the Powersports Side

Adding to the Bottom Line

● A technician that can think past the CAN BUS network and use it ONE of his tools

– Quickly assess a general area of concern

– Focus his mechanical diagnosis skills around a “Virtual” diagnosis.

– Fix the vehicle

● This increases profit by not creating wasted part installs (that can't be returned)

● Increases Client loyalty.● Increases Efficiency and RO turn in shop.

CAN Coffee?

● Whenever you need to communicate between 2 micro-processors...

● CAN BUS is there.