CAN bus is the network that lets the electronic systems in a modern vehicle talk to each other.
Updated 26 September 2026 · Tracker Prices South Africa
Each control unit in the car sends short messages onto a shared pair of wires. Every unit listens, and each one uses the messages it needs: the dashboard reads engine speed from the engine unit, the gearbox reads throttle position, and so on. This saves wiring, weight and cost.
A tracker or fleet unit that can read CAN bus data gets far more than a location. It can report fuel level and consumption, odometer readings, engine hours, warning lights and harsh braking straight from the vehicle’s own systems. That is why fleet telematics providers often ask whether they can connect to the CAN bus.
Modern car thieves also use the CAN bus. “CAN injection” attacks connect to wiring behind a headlight or bumper to send fake “unlock” and “start” messages. A tracker with tamper alerts, an immobiliser and a hidden installation adds a layer thieves have to beat. Read about GPS jammers and other theft techniques.
The OBD-II port under the dashboard is a diagnostic connector that gives access to some CAN bus data. Plug-in OBD trackers are easy to fit but also easy for thieves to find and remove, so hardwired installation is usually recommended for security.
Almost all modern cars do. It became standard in most vehicles from the mid-2000s.
Fleet trackers connected to the CAN bus can often read fuel level and consumption, depending on the vehicle.
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