Noregon has added a guided CAN termination test to its CAN Mentor and JPRO diagnostic software, giving technicians another way to troubleshoot vehicle network communication issues.

Launched over the summer, CAN Mentor is Noregon's standalone tool for advanced CAN network diagnostics. This troubleshooting addition, available to users by updating their software, allows techs to apply temporary resistance to a CAN channel and then monitor changes in ECU communication to help isolate whether a problem lies within a module, its connection, or the network itself.

“[The goal] is to help isolate communication issues from all of the other issues that are on the network,” said Zach Jones, product manager at Noregon.

The test uses Noregon's XBT diagnostic adapter to apply resistance through its hardware. CAN Mentor then displays the ECUs detected on the network and highlights changes in communication. Modules turn green if they begin communicating after resistance is applied, and orange if they stop broadcasting.

Jones compared the process to troubleshooting a strand of Christmas lights, where applying resistance can help reveal whether a problem affects the wire or an individual bulb. Similarly, the test can help to narrow down whether a communication problem involves the network or an individual module.

Noregon said the termination test was designed to make network troubleshooting more accessible to technicians without extensive electrical diagnostic experience. The test also builds on CAN Mentor's existing capabilities to measure resistance, monitor CAN high- and low-voltage levels, and identify which communication channels are active.

It's intended for situations when a technician cannot communicate with an ECU through an OEM diagnostic tool or when expected fault codes from a module are missing. Those symptoms can point to a problem with the module or the network connecting it to the vehicle.

Previously, techs might have to check voltage and resistance at the diagnostic connector, disconnect cabling, or bring in additional equipment to investigate the network. The new test lets them perform that check while already connected to the vehicle through Noregon's software.

“It's a big time saver, because then you immediately know: Is this a network issue, or do I need to put a new module in here?” said Ben Osborne, marketing communications director for the company. “It saves you from just throwing a part at the problem and hoping it fixes it.”

For shops, it could also help less-experienced technicians take on network troubleshooting that might otherwise fall to a lead tech or be outsourced.

“It helps you keep more work in-house while also saving you time during that diagnostic process,” Osborne said.

The terminating resistance test is available in the latest version of CAN Mentor. JPRO users can purchase the capability as an additional software module. Both require Noregon's XBT diagnostic adapter.

The latest JPRO update also includes an emissions assistant with emissions information for on-highway vehicles and off-highway equipment, along with additional manufacturer support and tests for Cummins, Freightliner, WABCO, Sprinter, and John Deere.

Existing customers can update their applications through the software or Noregon's website.