Toyota RAV4 Service Manual: System description

1. Brief description

1. The can (controller area network) is a serial data communication system for real time application. It is a vehicle multiplex communication system which has a high communication speed (500 kbps) and the ability to detect malfunctions.
2. By pairing the canh and canl bus lines, the can performs communication based on differential voltages.
3. Many ecus (sensors) installed on the vehicle operate by sharing information and communicating with each other
4. The can has 2 resistors of 120 ù which are necessary to communicate with the main wire.

2. Definition of terms

1. Main wire

1. The main wire is a wire harness between the 2 terminus circuits on the bus (communication line). This is the main bus in the can communication system.

2. Branch wire

1. The branch wire is a wire harness which diverges from the main wire to an ecu or sensor.

3. Terminus circuit

1. The terminus circuit is a circuit which converts the communication current of the can communication into the bus voltage. It consists of a resistor and condenser. 2 Terminus circuits are necessary on a bus.

4. Can j/c

The can j/c is a junction designed for can communication, which contains a terminus circuit.

3. Ecu or sensor which communicate via can communication system

1. Abs and traction actuator (skid control ecu)
2. Power steering ecu
3. Steering angle sensor
4. Yaw rate sensor
5. Ecm
6. Center airbag sensor
7. Air conditioning amplifier
8. Combination meter ecu
9. Main body ecu
10. 4Wd control ecu*

Hint:

*: For 4wd

4. Diagnostic codes for can communication system

1. Dtcs for the can communication system are as follows: u0073, u0100, u0105, u0121, u0122, u0123, u0124, u0126, u0129, c1280, c1296, c1297, and b1499.

5. Notes regarding troubleshooting

1. Trouble in the can bus (communication line) can be checked through the dlc3 (except when there is a wire break other than in the branch wire of the dlc3).

Notice:

Do not connect the tester directly to the dlc3 connector. Be sure to use a service wire.

2. Dtcs regarding the can communication system can be checked using the intelligent tester.
3. The can communication system cannot detect trouble in the branch line of the dlc3 even though the dlc3 is also connected to the can communication system.