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.
Principles of Operation: Notes
The vehicle has 3 module communications networks:
- controller area network (CAN)
- international standards organization (ISO) 9141 communications network
- universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART) based protocol (UBP) communications network
The diagnostic tool connects to the communications networks through the data link connector (DLC). The DLC allows a diagnostic tool access to diagnose and test the vehicle systems of any module on the communications networks.
The CAN has an unshielded twisted pair cable, data plus circuit 1908 (WH) and data minus circuit 1909 (BK). The CAN is a communications network used for the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, the instrument cluster, powertrain control module (PCM) and the trailer brake controller communications. The CAN remains operational even with the severing of one of the CAN circuits but operates at a degraded level. Communications also continue at a degraded level if one of the CAN circuits are shorted to ground or voltage, or if some but not all termination resistors are lost.
The ISO 9141 communications network is a single circuit communications network, circuit 70 (LB/WH). The ISO 9141 communications network does not permit intermodule communication. When the diagnostic tool communicates to modules on the ISO 9141 communications network, the diagnostic tool must request all information or initiate module commands. The ISO 9141 communications network is a communications network used for the 4-wheel drive (4WD) control module, the parking aid module and the restraint control module (RCM) communications. The ISO 9141 communications network does not function if the circuit is shorted to ground or voltage. Also, if one of the modules on the ISO 9141 communications network loses power or shorts internally, communications to that module fail.
The UBP communications network is a single circuit communications network, circuit 693 (OG). The UBP communications network is a communications network used for the electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) module, the instrument cluster and the vehicle security module communications. The UBP communications network does not function if the circuit is shorted to ground or voltage. The UBP communications network is different from the ISO 9141 communications network in that it allows intermodule communication.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.