Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
CAN Serial Data Circuit
The controller area network (CAN) serial data line is used for functional messages only and does not communicate with the scan tool via the data link connector (DLC). The identifier labels both the data content and the priority of the message being sent. Each module can begin transmitting its most important data as soon as the bus is unoccupied. When more than one module starts to transmit simultaneously, the message with the highest priority is assigned first access. A module responds to failure to gain access by automatically switching to receive mode, the module then repeats the transmission attempt as soon as the bus is free again.
The BCM acts as gateway between CAN and class 2 serial data lines, transmitting messages from one subnet to another. The BCM emulates the CAN modules on the class 2, embedding the original transmitter ID in translated CAN messages to class 2. Therefore the class 2 modules can set specific non communications DTCs against CAN modules. This concept doesn't apply for class 2 to CAN transmitted messages. Therefore the CAN modules consider the BCM as being the originator of all class 2 messages that they receive. The following modules communicate on the CAN serial data line:
- Electronic brake control module (EBCM)
- Transmission control module (TCM), w/L61
- Engine/powertrain control module (ECM/PCM)
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.