HomeTrouble CodesU0008

U0008 — High Speed Can Communication Bus High

Generic OBD-II · all makesNetwork / communication

This code indicates the high-speed Controller Area Network (CAN) bus High line is reading battery voltage or is stuck in a dominant state, disrupting communication between control modules. The CAN High circuit normally carries data via voltage fluctuations around 2.5–3.5 volts, so a constant high voltage prevents message transmission. This typically results from a short to power in the wiring harness or an internal module fault pulling the bus high.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. CAN High circuit shorted to voltage/B+

Wiring harness chafed, melted, or damaged by rodents or abrasion, causing the CAN High wire to contact battery voltage, ignition power, or another powered circuit.

2. Corroded or contaminated CAN bus connectors

Moisture intrusion at junction connectors, water ingress at module plugs, or terminal fretting creates a conductive path between CAN High and power circuits.

3. Control module internal failure

A specific module such as the ABS, airbag, or body control module has an internal short circuit pulling the CAN High line to power voltage, effectively biasing the entire bus.

4. Incorrect termination resistance

While less common for this specific code, damaged or missing termination resistors can cause voltage anomalies that trigger a false "High" reading on the bus.

5. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure

Rare; the PCM itself may have an internal fault shorting the CAN transceiver, but this is statistically unlikely compared to wiring issues and should only be considered after all other causes are eliminated.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Retrieve all DTCs and note which modules are communicating; identify if U0008 is global or isolated to specific modules to narrow the fault location.
  2. Perform visual inspection of accessible CAN bus wiring harnesses for chafing, melting, or contact with battery cables, especially near brackets or heat sources.
  3. With key on/engine off, measure voltage on the CAN High pin at the diagnostic link connector or an accessible module; battery voltage (~12V) confirms a short to power.
  4. Disconnect control modules one by one while monitoring CAN High voltage to isolate which module or circuit section is causing the short; the voltage will drop when the faulty module or harness section is disconnected.
  5. Check continuity between the CAN High circuit and battery voltage circuits to pinpoint the exact location of the short, repairing the harness as necessary.

Code facts & related codes

SystemNetwork / communication
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can I still drive with this code?

No. Critical systems may stop communicating without warning, potentially disabling safety features like ABS, airbags, or steering assist while driving.

Do I need to replace the PCM?

Almost never. This code almost always stems from wiring shorts or a different control module failing; replacing the PCM is usually unnecessary and costly.

What is the CAN bus?

It is the vehicle's high-speed data network that allows modules (engine, transmission, brakes) to share information; "CAN High" is one of the two differential signal wires that carry this data.

Why did this happen suddenly?

Usually due to recent wiring damage from rodent chewing, accident repair, or harness abrasion against metal brackets that finally wore through insulation.