C160000 — CAN Line Error in C-CAN Bus

Causes

• Damaged or corroded CAN wiring or connectors (CAN_H / CAN_L).
• Open circuit (broken wire) in CAN_H or CAN_L.
• Short to battery or short to ground on CAN lines.
• Faulty or intermittent ECU/module driving the C-CAN bus.
• Missing or incorrect termination resistor(s) or poor ground at modules.
• Aftermarket electronics or improper wiring taps causing interference.

Symptoms

• Multiple warning lights or messages on dash (communication-related).
• Loss of functionality of systems controlled over C-CAN (e.g., ABS, instrument cluster, BCM features).
• Intermittent or permanent ‘communication fault’ warnings.
• Possible inability to connect to specific modules with a scan tool.
• Erratic module behavior or false sensor readings.

What to check

• Scan vehicle with a capable diagnostic tool: read DTCs from all modules and note which modules are offline.
• Visually inspect CAN wiring, connectors and junction blocks for damage, corrosion or recent repair work.
• With ignition off, measure resistance across CAN_H to CAN_L at the diagnostic connector and at wiring harness ends (expected ~60 ohms total).
• Check for shorts: measure continuity from each CAN line to battery positive and chassis ground (should be open).
• With ignition on and using an oscilloscope or multimeter, observe CAN_H and CAN_L voltages and differential signal while bus active.
• Disconnect suspect modules one at a time to see if fault clears (isolate faulty module or segment).

Signal parameters

• Recessive voltage (idle) on both CAN_H and CAN_L: approximately 2.5 V (common mode).
• Dominant state: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V and CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V (differential ~2.0 V).
• Expected DC resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L with power off: ~60 Ω (two 120 Ω terminators in parallel).
• No DC continuity from CAN lines to battery positive or chassis ground (open circuit).
• Oscillating differential waveform when bus is active; absence or constant dominant level indicates fault.

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