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

2. 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)

3. 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

5. 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
RHome.aspx

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

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

8. 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)
Isuzu Ascender (Chevy Trailblazer)

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. GM Data Summary

20. GM Post-crash Delta-V

21. GM Pre-Crash Data

22. Ford/Lincoln/mercury Data Summary

23. Longitudinal Data

24. Lateral Data

25. F-L-M Pre-Crash Data

26. Chrsler/Dodge/Jeep Airbag Configuration

27. C-D-J Pre-Crash Data

28. Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

29. Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

30. Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

31. Toyota/Lexus/Scion data

32. Honda/Acura Data

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

34. Part 563 Required Elements

35. 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

36. 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)

37. 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

38. On-Tractor Download Setup

39. Typical ECM Location

40. 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

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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. Pertinent Event Data Brake and clutch application
Percent throttle applied

47. Continued

48. Caterpillar Snap Shot

49. Cummins Sudden Deceleration Data

50. Mack Event Data

51. 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

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

53. 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