CAN OBD vs OBD

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Aug 15, 2008 | 08:39 PM

wtomlinson

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CAN OBD vs OBD

i'm looking online at harbor freight, and they have an OBD II code reader with CAN, and a regular OBD II code reader. what is the CAN (controller area network) for?

all i want to do is get the codes i don't need anything fancy that has the nice display or anything. i have the codes saved on my comp so i can look up what is what.

Aug 15, 2008 | 09:21 PM

bobbyd

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i got hte $59.99 one from there and works great

Aug 15, 2008 | 09:22 PM

wtomlinson

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but what's the difference in the two? i just bought a cheaper one from ebay but i'm still curious.

Aug 16, 2008 | 12:25 PM

2001NBMZ28

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From: Jacksonville, FL

Not sure but think the CAN shows U Codes in addition to P Codes. U codes are usually lost communication with BCM, HVAC module, TCS module, etc. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Aug 16, 2008 | 01:12 PM

wtomlinson

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i looked at the website i bought mine from on ebay, and it said if you have a 2003 or newer vehicle, you may require a CAN compatible reader.

"WHAT IS CAN?

Controller Area Network (or CAN) is the newest automotive communication protocol. CAN Protocol is around 50 times the speed of the older protocols.

CAN was used in some cars starting in 2003, and is said to be the only protocol that will be used after 2007."

Aug 17, 2008 | 04:02 PM

TaterSS

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CAN bus is the newest government mandated module communication. Its basicaly the same as other manufactuer protocals of the past. But its faster, allows much easier module reflashing. I could get into more, but I would put you all to sleep. Also CAN will be used in OBDIII in the next comming years.