Code
P1656
FORD
P — Powertrain
CAN Link PCM PCM Circuit Network
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or short in CAN High (CANH) or CAN Low (CANL) wiring
- Poor/cracked corroded connector pins at PCM or gateway module
- Blown fuse or faulty power/ground to PCM or gateway
- Missing or damaged CAN termination resistor(s)
- Faulty PCM (internal CAN transceiver failure)
- Other module driving the bus low/high (shorted module) or aftermarket device interfering
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light (MIL) and communication-related warning lamps
- Scan tool cannot communicate with PCM or communication is intermittent
- Loss of engine/transmission-related functions or limp-in mode
- Missing instrument cluster data (speed, RPM, etc.) or multiple module warnings
- Vehicle may not start or may stall if PCM not communicating
- Multiple network-related DTCs present
What to check
- Verify battery voltage and charging system (>= 12.4 V at rest, >= 13.5–14.5 V running)
- Retrieve and record all stored and pending DTCs and freeze frame data
- Check fuses and relays supplying PCM and gateway modules
- Visually inspect PCM connector, pins, and nearby harness for damage, contamination, corrosion or water entry
- Check for aftermarket electronics (alarms, remote starters) tapped into CAN wiring
- Measure resistance between CANH and CANL with ignition off (approx. 54–70 ohms for two 120 Ω terminations in parallel)
Signal parameters
- Common idle voltages (recessive): CAN_H ≈ 2.5 V ± 0.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 2.5 V ± 0.5 V
- Dominant state voltages: CAN_H ≈ 3.5 V ± 0.5 V, CAN_L ≈ 1.5 V ± 0.5 V
- Typical differential voltage when dominant: ≈ 2.0 V ± 0.5 V
- Termination resistance (CANH to CANL with ignition off and modules connected): ≈ 54–70 Ω
- Common bus speeds: powertrain CAN often 500 kbps (verify OEM specification for vehicle)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Record all DTCs and freeze frame, then disconnect scanner and attempt to communicate again to confirm persistence.
- Verify battery/charging system condition. Low voltage can cause network faults—repair as needed.
- Inspect PCM power and ground circuits. Verify fuses and relay(s) feeding the PCM and gateway are intact and supplying proper voltage/ground.
- Visually inspect PCM connector and harness for damage, corrosion, bent pins or water intrusion. Repair or replace damaged connectors/wiring.
- With ignition ON (engine off), measure CANH and CANL voltages at the PCM connector and at other accessible modules. Compare to expected values in signal_params.
- With ignition off, measure resistance between CANH and CANL at one end of the bus to check termination (should be ~54–70 Ω). If out of range, inspect for missing/shorted termination or disconnected module.
- Use a professional scan tool to poll modules on the bus to identify which modules respond. Note any modules that do not communicate or report errors.
- If physical inspection and basic electrical checks pass, use an oscilloscope to view CAN signals while attempting communication. Look for noise, missing frames, dominant stuck states, or distortions indicating bus faults.
- Isolate the fault by disconnecting suspected modules (one at a time) or splicing points and rechecking bus voltages/resistance until the fault disappears; repair the wiring or replace the faulty module discovered.
- After repair, clear codes, cycle ignition, and verify normal communication with all modules, and road test to confirm the fault does not return.
- Safety note: Before disconnecting modules, follow OEM procedures (ignition off, key removal) and be aware that disconnecting certain modules may disable vehicle systems.
Likely causes
- Loose or corroded PCM connector or pins
- Open or shorted CANH/CANL harness near PCM or gateway
- Blown fuse or bad PCM power/ground
- Failed PCM CAN transceiver
- Missing/incorrect termination due to removed/failed module or harness repair
Fault status
Status
CAN bus communication fault with PCM detected — PCM not responding or CAN circuit open/short/intermittent.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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