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-Network (Controller Area Network): Overview
CAN (Controller Area Network) is a standardised system for multiplex communication. Multiplex communication means that you can transmit messages between one or more control modules on the same wires without communication between the various control modules disrupting one another. Volvo has produced a new standard for multiplex communication, known as VOLCANO. VOLCANO is a further development of CAN and works with real-time processing, as well as prioritisation. The description of prioritisation is based on VOLCANO but named CAN.
The standard for Control area network (CAN) specifies:
- That two cables should be used (CAN H and CAN L)
- Which voltage levels should be used
- What a message should look like
- How transfer errors should be handled.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.