Teltonika CAN bus solutions let you read vehicle data straight from the vehicle’s internal network, such as fuel level, mileage and door status, without installing extra sensors. But Teltonika offers more than one way to read this data, and each suits a different type of vehicle. This guide explains what data you can read, Teltonika’s four options, how to choose between them, the installation and setup steps, and the mistakes that ruin reading accuracy.
Note: The information here comes from Teltonika’s published material, and available data varies by vehicle model and year. Teltonika is a trademark of its owner. For the basics, see our CAN Bus and vehicle data page.
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Why Read Vehicle CAN Data Instead of Adding Sensors?
A modern vehicle already exchanges its data over the CAN network between control units. When a tracker reads this data, you get real vehicle performance without drilling a tank or running wires for each sensor, which makes installation faster and lowers overall project cost, as Teltonika notes. This data powers fuel monitoring, driver behavior analysis, proactive maintenance and EV battery management.
What Data Can Teltonika CAN Bus Solutions Read?
- Fuel: fuel level in the tank and total consumption.
- Distance: the odometer reading as shown on the dashboard.
- Driving: vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position.
- Vehicle status: door status and engine condition.
- Electric vehicles: battery status and state of charge.
Not every value is available on every vehicle, because manufacturers differ in what they send over the CAN network. Check the supported parameters for your model before you buy.
Teltonika CAN Bus Options: Four Ways to Read Vehicle Data
1. Teltonika FMC150 With a Built-In CAN Reader
The Teltonika FMC150 is a 4G tracker with an integrated CAN data processor that reads data from light vehicles, electric vehicles, trucks and buses without an external adapter. Teltonika says the supported vehicle list for FMx150 devices exceeds 2,200 models, with a dedicated configuration file for each vehicle.
2. LV-CAN200 and ALL-CAN300 Adapters
An external Teltonika CAN adapter connects to a compatible tracker to read CAN data. The LV-CAN200 is used for light vehicles, while the ALL-CAN300 reads data from all vehicle types, including trucks, buses, agricultural and special machinery. This option suits fleets that already have trackers installed.
3. The ECAN02 Contactless Reader
The ECAN02 clamps around CAN wires and reads the signal through the insulation without cutting or stripping them, which protects the vehicle network and reduces warranty concerns. It works with a compatible CAN tracker or adapter and needs one reader per CAN line.
4. FMC650 for Trucks and Buses
An advanced device for heavy vehicles with two CAN lines. According to Teltonika’s material, it reads standard FMS truck data (J1939) and tachograph data, including remote file download, and also supports external CAN adapters.
| Option | How it reads | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| FMC150 | CAN reader built into the tracker | New installs, mixed fleets and electric vehicles |
| LV-CAN200 | External adapter | Light vehicles with an existing tracker |
| ALL-CAN300 | External adapter | Trucks, buses and machinery with an existing tracker |
| ECAN02 | Contactless reading through insulation | Vehicles under warranty or where wires must not be cut |
| FMC650 | FMS, two CAN lines and tachograph | Trucks, buses and heavy transport fleets |
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Fleet
- New light-vehicle fleet: FMC150, because it combines tracking and CAN reading in one device.
- Existing fleet with compatible trackers: add an LV-CAN200 or ALL-CAN300 instead of replacing devices. If you are weighing LV-CAN200 vs ALL-CAN300, the deciding factor is vehicle type.
- Trucks and buses: FMC650 for FMS and tachograph data, or FMC150 depending on the vehicle model. See construction and heavy equipment tracking.
- New vehicles under warranty: add the ECAN02 contactless reader.
- Electric vehicles: FMC150 to read battery status and state of charge where the model is supported.
The Supported Vehicle List and Autoscan
Before any Teltonika CAN bus project, look up the vehicle model and year in Teltonika’s supported vehicle list, which shows the available data and a vehicle-specific installation scheme. For mixed fleets, FMx150 devices offer Autoscan, which automatically identifies a suitable vehicle configuration in under two minutes, according to Teltonika.
If a vehicle is not supported, Autoscan may generate a configuration based on similar models, but without a guarantee that every value will be read correctly. When verified support is needed, Teltonika’s team can record and analyze the vehicle’s data and add a dedicated file to the list.
Installation and Setup Steps
- Check vehicle support: model, year and required data in Teltonika’s list.
- Choose the connection: direct connection to the CAN wires, or contactless reading through ECAN02.
- Follow the vehicle-specific scheme: to locate the correct CAN lines.
- Configure the device in Teltonika Configurator: select the right vehicle file or run Autoscan.
- Compare readings with the dashboard: fuel level and odometer before handing the vehicle back.
- Connect the data to your platform: set up reports and alerts, and pass mileage to other systems, for example through an Odoo GPS tracking integration.
Important Notes on Accuracy
CAN fuel readings come from the vehicle’s original tank sensor, so they are fine for general monitoring but less precise than a dedicated fuel sensor when you need to detect small or exact fuel theft. For that, consider fuel monitoring with a dedicated sensor. CAN odometer readings usually match the dashboard and are more accurate than distance calculated from GPS alone.
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Data
- Cutting wires unnecessarily: it can cause faults and affect the warranty; the contactless reader is the alternative.
- Connecting to the wrong CAN line: some vehicles have more than one line, and the data you need is on a specific one.
- Expecting unsupported data: not every model sends fuel level or door status.
- Skipping verification: handing the vehicle back without comparing readings to the dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LV-CAN200 and ALL-CAN300?
The LV-CAN200 is used for light vehicles, while the ALL-CAN300 reads data from all vehicle types, including trucks, buses, agricultural and special machinery.
Does the Teltonika FMC150 need an external CAN adapter?
No. The FMC150 has an integrated CAN data processor, and you can add the ECAN02 contactless reader when you want to avoid cutting wires.
Does reading CAN bus data affect the vehicle warranty?
Contactless reading through the ECAN02 does not cut or strip wires, which is why it is preferred for vehicles under warranty. In all cases, installation should be done by a qualified technician.
Can fuel level be read from every vehicle?
No. It depends on the vehicle model and what the manufacturer sends over the CAN network. Check the supported parameters for your model.
What if my vehicle is not on the supported list?
You can try Autoscan on FMx150 devices, or ask Teltonika to support the vehicle by recording its data and adding a dedicated file.
Which is better for trucks: FMC150 or FMC650?
The FMC650 is designed for heavy vehicles, with FMS, two CAN lines and tachograph support, while the FMC150 suits many trucks and buses on its supported list. The choice depends on the truck model and the data you need.
How Afaq Can Help
We supply Teltonika CAN bus trackers and adapters to read vehicle CAN data, check your vehicles’ support before installation, install with the right method for each vehicle, and set up fuel and maintenance reports and alerts on the platform. Explore CAN Bus and vehicle data solutions or request a quote.
