CAN Communications

[Kitt]

I was reading the service manual and I found the last part which talks about the CAN communication system on the car, Can someone explain me what exactly is that???:iono:

[El Jefe]

can = controller area network. bascially meaning that you have a bunch of small computers throughout the car that all the sensors and actuators connect to. these computers communicate with each other over the CAN lines, basically 2 wires. so instead of having to run a wire from the back of the car all the way up to the ecu under the dash you can run the wires from the sensor to one of the small computers near it, then that computer sends the info to the computers that need it. so instead of having the massive wire harnesses running through the car they are much smaller (less weight and lower cost to make)
i hope that makes sence, if you have anymore questions just ask em

[yrsdrgn]

so what would happen if one of the computers malfunctions or breaks down?

[El Jefe]

so what would happen if one of the computers malfunctions or breaks down?
it will throw trouble codes, and possibly go into a limp home type of mode, and maybe limit the things it controls. the whole system wouldnt go down
think of it as a regular computer network, a bunch of desktops all linked together that share info

[Kitt]

IC, thanks for the info bro, does my car has that too? it is a 1st gen tough...