CAN BUS was created by Bosch as a method for enabling robust serial communication in automotive applications. It allows vehicle systems to be broken into workable sections and isolated using a shared network. This increases reliability and affordability while decreasing wiring complexity. CAN BUS uses a two-wire network to transmit sensor and module data in binary form. Technicians can use diagnostic tools connected to the CAN BUS to isolate faults in individual components like electric window motors or air flow sensors, requiring critical thinking to properly diagnose the root cause. Understanding how to leverage CAN BUS as a diagnostic tool, rather than relying on it exclusively, allows technicians to work more efficiently and increase profitability.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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...

7. Let's go back to the car...
Remember the Windows?

8. 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.

9. What Does CAN BUS See?

10. What Does CAN BUS See?

11. How does this Apply to You?
● Earlier we mentioned critical thinking
– What diagnoses a failed vehicle?
● CAN BUS?
● PC?
● Software?

12. 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?

13. 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?

14. On the Powersports Side

15. On the Powersports Side

16. 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.

17. CAN Coffee?
● Whenever you
need to
communicate
between 2 micro-
processors...
● CAN BUS is there.