CANBUS Multi Interface

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Many of the new vehicles around today utilise CANBUS (also known as CAN; CAN-BUS; CAN BUS; C-BUS) to transmit the specific data and conditions between devices. This has rendered traditional signal carrying wires obsolete. This has a down side in that many aftermarket devices cannot interface with the CANBUS data, such as navigation systems. Output signals are provided for vehicle speed, engine speed, illumination, reverse gear and handbrake; depending on the vehicle.

Vehicle Coverage (Note functions vary with vehicle, download PDF to check)
Note that this list indicates European built vehicles, sometimes manufacturers use the same name in other locations so you need to confirm it has the European CANBUS system fitted.

Download PDF: Download CAN Vehicle List V1.3 - 2008 (133kB)

PDF files use Adobe Acrobat® Reader®, which is available here if required.

Connections:

Specifications:

• Frequency approximately: 0.62 Hz per every 1 kph (1 Hz per every 1 mph)
• Output voltage: 12V square wave
• Minimum speed approximately: 3 kph (1.7 mph)
• Approximate pulses per km: 2240 (per mile: 3600)
• Lights: 12V = On; 0V = Off
• Reverse Signal: 12V = Reverse; 0V = Forward
• Handbrake Signal: 12V = Off; 0V = On
• Ignition feed: 2A max output when ignition is on
• Approximate current draw: 30 mA
• Warranty: 12 months

Installation:

The CANBUS uses two wires for data transmission. One is called CAN HIGH and the other is called CAN LOW (sometimes marked as "CAN+" and "CAN-" respectively). The CANBUS connections on the CANBUS interface should be connected to the appropriate CANBUS connections with an insulated solder joint. Do not cut the CANBUS wires.

1. We recommend that the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW connections are picked up from the automatic gearbox ECU where possible, as this has the least amount of data flowing in the system.
Note: it is also possible on some vehicles to pick up the CAN wires at the ignition switch, e.g. Mercedes.

2. Because manufacturers continually change the pin configuration of the plugs, it is advisable to pick up +POS and -NEG for powering the interface from an alternative supply, preferably a good ignition controlled regulated supply. A good earth is absolutely essential.

3. The CANBUS interface is at times blamed for faults which are not of its making. It only reads data, it does not write data to the vehicle system. In addition, it has such a high internal impedance so that it cannot affect the vehicle operation. However, there is an unwritten law with car dealers that states the last thing fitted to the vehicle must be the cause of any problem! The CANBUS interface is supplied with a plug-in loom so the simplest answer to this type of response is to just unplug the interface. It is then disconnected from the system. If the problem still exists then, of course it is not being caused by the interface unit.

4. It would be good practice to unplug the wire loom from the CANBUS interface box and then make connections, so removing any possibility of shorting. When completed, reconnect the plug to the CANBUS interface box.

5. Connecting the CANBUS interface close to the ECU, say 5 to 10 cm away from the plug will allow room for the connectors. While the power wires CAN be extended, it is not advisable to extend the CAN HIGH and CAN LOW leads. If there is a need to extend the signal lead (orange), please ensure that it is run to its destination avoiding proximity to equipment that might give off pulses which could be picked up by this wire, such as ignition or heater fans, etc. Common sense tells you that each wire can become an aerial for extraneous signals within a vehicle environment.

6. Note that just because a vehicle has a CANBUS system, it does not necessarily mean that that CANBUS carries the appropriate signal information.