checking for CAN in your OBD port

The gaugeART CAN OBD Link requires CAN communication in the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) Port. gaugeART CAN OBD Link does not work with earlier serial OBD communication.

CAN communication was required in 2008 and later model vehicles sold in the USA. All 2008 and later model vehicles sold in the USA are equipped with CAN communication. If your vehicle is a 2008 or later model year sold in the USA – your vehicle is compatible with the gaugeART CAN OBD Link and this test is not required.

Many vehicles that were several years prior to 2008 also have CAN in the OBD diagnostic port.

If your vehicle is a 2005 – 2007 model or is a later model sold outside the USA and you want to use the gaugeART CAN OBD Link, follow these easy steps to verify CAN communication.

  • First, find the OBD diagnostic port. These are required to be installed in the passenger cabin, and are usually on the driver’s side in newer vehicles under the dash board. The port may be covered.

    OBD diagnostic port
    OBD diagnostic port
  • Next, locate terminal locations 6 and 14 in the diagram shown below. If your vehicle uses CAN communication these terminals should have metallic contacts in these positions. If it does not have metallic contacts in these positions, your vehicle does not have CAN in the OBD port.

    OBD connector pinout
    OBD connector pinout
  • Lastly, if metallic contacts are in these positions, remove the ignition key. With a multimeter set to “ohms” check the resistance between these two terminals (the ignition must be in the off position / key removed) as shown. If there is 60 ohms (+/- 2 ohms) your vehicle is equipped with CAN communication and the gaugeART CAN OBD Link is compatible with your vehicle.

    OBD port test
    OBD port test