Home / DTC / P1656 — CAN Link PCM PCM Circuit Network

P1656 — CAN Link PCM PCM Circuit Network

Detailed page for trouble code P1656.

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Code

P1656

FORD P — Powertrain

CAN Link PCM PCM Circuit Network

Brand: FORD
AI status
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Page language: EN

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

  1. Record all DTCs and freeze frame, then disconnect scanner and attempt to communicate again to confirm persistence.
  2. Verify battery/charging system condition. Low voltage can cause network faults—repair as needed.
  3. Inspect PCM power and ground circuits. Verify fuses and relay(s) feeding the PCM and gateway are intact and supplying proper voltage/ground.
  4. Visually inspect PCM connector and harness for damage, corrosion, bent pins or water intrusion. Repair or replace damaged connectors/wiring.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. After repair, clear codes, cycle ignition, and verify normal communication with all modules, and road test to confirm the fault does not return.
  11. 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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