ECMs and Air Bag Modules: By Patrick Riedlinger, P.E., ACTAR

Electronic Data Recorders Data recorded in certain situations Collision Hard braking / “sudden stop” Diagnostic “snapshot” Data can be used to assist in collision reconstruction or mechanical failure analysis Passenger vehicles – ACM and/or PCM Commercial vehicles – electronic control module (ECM)

Passenger Vehicles Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) system Images crash data from air bag control module (ACM) and/or powertrain control module (PCM) Download through vehicle’s electrical system Electrical system mostly intact and need key Some newer GM vehicles don’t require a key Can do workaround for download w/o key

Passenger Vehicles Download directly from module In-vehicle: Electrical system damaged Out of vehicle (“Benchtop” download): Vehicle damaged, or model not supported at time of investigation Caveat: Can set trouble codes on Ford and Chrysler vehicles http://www.boschdiagnostics.com/testequipment/cdr/Pages/CD RHome.aspx

Available Vehicles 1994 – 2017 General Motors 2001 – 2017 Ford, Lincoln & Mercury Some 2005 – 2017 Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep Some 2001 – 2017 Toyota, Lexus & Scion 2012 - 2017 Fiat 500 2012 - 2017 Honda, Acura 2011 – 2017 Volvo

Available Vehicles 2012 -2017 Nissan and Infiniti 2013 – 2017 BMW 2013 – 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost 2013 - 2017 Kia & Hyundai (after 9/1/2013) (Not Bosch) 2011 – 2017 Mazda 2014-2017 Mercedes Benz (extra equipment needed) 2014-2017 Mini

Available Vehicles 2013 – 2014 Suzuki 2005 – 2009 Saab 9-7X (Chevy Trailblazer) 2009 – 2013 Volkswagen Routan (Chrysler) 1998 – 2000 Isuzu Hombre (Chevy S10) 2007 – 2010 Suzuki XL-7 (Chevy Equinox) 2003 - 2008 Isuzu Ascender (Chevy Trailblazer)

Available Vehicles 2005 – 2010 Mitsubishi Raider (Dodge Dakota) 2008 – 2009 Sterling Bullet class 4/5 truck Jaguar / Land Rover - send to manufacturer

Bosch CDR Airbags need NOT deploy to have data Deployment event Collision severe enough to deploy airbags Data “locked” and cannot be erased Non-Deployment event Collision severe enough to “alert” system but not severe enough to cause deployment Data can be erased by ignition count or another Non-Deployment event

Bosch CDR Type of impacts to record data Frontal impact: all vehicles (some need air bag deployment) Rear-end impact: some vehicles Side impacts: some vehicles Rollovers: some vehicles

Stored Data What data is stored on your vehicle? Dependent on the vehicle’s year, make and model. Data may be identified by ignition cycles. Data IS NOT date/time stamped Some data can be overwritten

Potential Data Stored SIR warning lamp status Driver and passenger seat belt switch status Ignition cycles at Event Ignition cycles at investigation

Potential Data Stored Time from algorithm enable to airbag or pretensioner deployment Indicate which stage and when the deployment command was issued Time from Non-Deployment to Deployment Time between recorded events Longitudinal and/or lateral speed change (Delta-V) vs. time

Potential Data Stored Diagnostic codes active at event Lateral and longitudinal acceleration Air bag module configuration What components are installed in subject vehicle Parking brake switch ON/OFF status ABS warning light ON/OFF status Driver’s seat track position

Potential Data Stored MIL (malfunction indicator light) ON/OFF status Cruise Control ON/OFF status Air bags deployed or not Roll angle, lateral acceleration, longitudinal Delta-V, lateral Delta-V: depends on the type of event recorded

Potential Data Stored Pre-Crash data (length of time recorded varies) Vehicle speed Measured at transmission, not ground Engine speed Throttle position Accelerator pedal position

Potential Data Stored Pre-Crash data continued Brake switch circuit status Not brake level, just “On” or “Off” Steering wheel angle Yaw angle/rate

GM Data Summary

GM Post-crash Delta-V

GM Pre-Crash Data

Ford/Lincoln/mercury Data Summary

Longitudinal Data

Lateral Data

F-L-M Pre-Crash Data

Chrsler/Dodge/Jeep Airbag Configuration

C-D-J Pre-Crash Data

Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

Honda/Acura Data

EDR Laws Federal: 49CFR563 Applies to passenger vehicles manufactured after 9/1/2012 Specifies what must be recorded IF any data is recorded

Part 563 Required Elements

EDR Laws Several states have laws governing EDR data AR, CA, CO, CT, ME, NH, NY, NV, ND, OR, TX, VA & WA Laws are different in each state Some laws apply to vehicles manufactured after a certain date State laws need to be followed for admissibility

Commercial Vehicles Event data is stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) and possibly other modules Detroit Diesel, Mercedes, Caterpillar, Cummins, Mack and International Volvo: Configuration data only “Hard Stops” must be enabled Mack modules must be sent to authorized company (2)

Commercial Vehicles Electrical system needs to be somewhat operational and need the key If truck significantly damaged or no key: Connect directly to modules. Remove module(s) and download on benchtop or in surrogate truck Benchtop download may set diagnostic codes

On-Tractor Download Setup

Typical ECM Location

Types of Data in an ECM Fault Data Historical Data Assists in maintenance & diagnosis May include “snapshot” of speed, RPM, etc. Historical Data Calibration Settings Vehicle configuration Important for validating reported speed

Types of Data in an ECM Event Data Typically, Quick Stop / Last Stop events Easily overwritten “Quick Stop” must be enabled

Relevant Configuration Data Governor speed limit (fuel cutoff) Soft speed limit (tattle-tale) Top engine RPM Hard brake threshold (0=no hard brake events) Min/max cruise control set speed Tire size (revolutions per mile) Axle ratio

Historical / Trip Data Trip start and end date Trip distance Odometer at download Average and highest speed Time and date of highest speed Number of vehicle overspeeds Date and time of diagnostic codes

Pertinent Event Data Date and time of event Odometer reading MUST reconcile ECM clock with “real time” Sometimes must use engine hours (Cummins, Mack) Odometer reading Vehicle and engine speed Cruise control (on/off) and set speed

Pertinent Event Data Brake and clutch application Percent throttle applied

Continued

Caterpillar Snap Shot

Cummins Sudden Deceleration Data

Mack Event Data

Questions? What questions to ask the Insured after an accident? Did the airbag deploy? Hear/see skidmarks? Is there any circumstances where the EDR data can be lost/not readable? A list of circumstances in which someone cannot pull data off the black box

Lost EDR data? Battery is compromised before data written. Submerged EDR box. Fire. Police.

Questions? How can this data help an adjuster with a claim? Sort out conflicting stories. Speeds, brakes, etc. Refute claims of vehicle failure. What types of claims would black box data be useful for? Anything where perceived speed condemns your client… When the road evidence is confusing/conflicting