VETRONIX CRASH DATA RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

VETRONIX CRASH DATA RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Crash Data Retrieval System „

Black Box Technology

y In the event of an Accident, Air Bag Module Records Crash Data y CDR System Downloads Data, Displays Graphs & Tables „

Vehicles Supported

y Select 1994 - 2003 GM Vehicles y Select 2001 - 2003 Ford Vehicles „

Crash Data Recorded*

y y y y y y y

Vehicle Speed Engine Speed Throttle Position Brake Status Seat Belt Status Delta-V (Crash Pulse) And More

*Vehicle Dependent

History Vetronix and GM Ö Vetronix/GM Relationship Began in 1984. Ö GM Selected Vetronix to Develop First Event Data Retrieval Unit in 1990 (GM use only). Ö GM Awarded Vetronix with Exclusive Contract to Develop the Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System for GM and the aftermarket. Ö CDR System became available to the public in March 2000.

History Vetronix and Ford Ö Ford contracted Vetronix to develop software that will interface with the Crash Data Retrieval System (CDR) and enable users to download crash data from select Ford vehicles. Ö First Ford CDR Update (software and cable) is scheduled to be available by 1Q 2003.

CDR System Overview • Downloads pre-crash and crash data from the vehicle’s air bag module to a laptop computer. • The Windows® based CDR software presents this data in an easy-to-read graphs and tables.

CDR System Overview CDR Kit Includes• • • • • • • • •

CDR Interface Module CDR Software (CD) Serial Cable (PC Interface) OBD II Interface Cable (Vehicle Interface) Air Bag Module Cables 6' Extension Cable DC Power Supply (Cigarette Lighter) AC/DC 12V Power Supply Storage Case

CDR System Overview

Data Retrieval Methods

Two Ways to Download Data• Through the Vehicle’s Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) • Direct to the Air Bag Module

Data Retrieval Methods • Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) – Typically located under the dashboard – SAE J1962 connector (equipped on all 1996 and newer vehicles sold in the U.S.)

DLC Connector Typical DLC Location

Direct to Air Bag Module Direct to Air Bag Module

Direct to Air Bag Module Typical GM Air Bag Module LocationUnder Passenger Front Seat

CDR Software Features CDR Software Features Include• VIN Decoder • Report Printing • Simple Graphs & Tables • Extensive Help Files • Vehicle Coverage List

CDR Software Vehicle Coverage 2002 GM- Over 90% of all Vehicles built from 1996-2002 2003 GM- Expand to select 1994-2003 Vehicles Ford-Expand to select 2001-2003 Vehicles

Pre-Crash Graph GM Air Bag Module

Percent of Wide Open Throttle

Vehicle Speed (MPH)

Engine Speed (RPM)

Brake Switch Status (On or Off)

Post-Crash Graph GM Air Bag Module

SDM recorded Velocity Change (MPH)

Data Summary Table GM Air Bag Module

A Catastrophic Occurrence • In the event of a catastrophic collision the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) will apply all available power to initiate air bag deployment. • Therefore, given the above situation it is possible that no collision data will be recorded.

Supported Vehicles as of May 10, 2009

General Motors Corporation: (1990) 1994 Chevrolet / Cadillac / Buick / Pontiac 1995 Oldsmobile / Saturn 1996 Geo / GMC 2003 Hummer H2 2005 Saab 9-7X 2006 Hummer H3 Ford Corporation: (2003) 2001 Ford / Mercury / Lincoln

Supported Vehicles as of May 10, 2009 (Continued)

Chrysler Corporation: (2007) 2004 Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep Isuzu Corporation: 1998 Hombre / Ascender Mitsubishi Corporation: 2005 Raider Sterling Corporation: 2008 Sterling Suzuki Corporation: 2007 Suzuki XL7

New Developments in Crash Data Retrieval

Crash Data can now be collected from Ford Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs). •

•

Starting in 2003, Ford vehicles equipped with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) were also equipped with Powertrain Control Modules (PCMs). The PCM can store crash data in its internal flash memory. This information can be obtained using the CDR System in conjunction with the CDR PCM Interface Kit.

How the PCM Captures Crash Data

The Ford PCMs store 25 seconds of 16 data parameters continually as long as the vehicle’s ignition switch is in the on position. If a collision occurs and a seat belt or air bag deployment command is issued by the vehicle’s Airbag Control Module (ACM), the ACM will send a Restraint Deployment Signal (RDS) to the PCM. After receiving the RDS, the PCM will lock 20 seconds of data already stored in its flash memory. It will then record an additional 5 seconds of post crash data. This captured data will be locked in the flash memory for a significant number of ignition cycles so that it can be retrieved for analysis. It will not be overwritten during the next ignition sequence.

How to Retrieve the PCM Crash Data

The PCM data can be collected in the same two methods used to download ACM data. •

If the electrical system of the vehicle is intact, or can be made to function properly, the data can be downloaded by connecting to the vehicle’s communication bus through the Data Link Connector (DLC).

•

If damage configuration makes this connection impossible, then a direct connection with the PMC is required.

Heavy Truck Electronic Control Modules (ECM)

Four Major Diesel Engine Manufacturers • • • •

Detroit Diesel / Mercedes Caterpillar Cummins Mack

• Each engine manufacturer uses a different ECM configuration. • The ECM’s are typically attached to the engine block.

• • • •

Speed and Engine RPM is determined by: Rear Axle Ratio Tire Revolutions Per Mile Top Transmission Gear Ratio Number of Tail shaft Gear Teeth (usually 16) These values need to be accurately entered into the ECM set-up file.

Download Software • Ensure that any software used during the ECM download process does not reset or change any parameters or settings to include the date and time.

Most ECM’s are Date and Time Stamped • Before performing an ECM download have the technician do a capture screen (Ctrl Print Screen) and print the screen image. • Performing this function will rule out computer clock error. • The ECM’s are set to the initializing terminals time zone. • The ECM clock can drift as much as (+) 4 and (-) 1 hours in a calendar year.

Reports to Download • Parameters and Settings (Configuration File) • Audit Trail Report • Histrogram Report • Hard Brake Application • Trip Report

Download Methods • Hook directly to the trucks Data Link Connector (preferred method) • Hook directly to the ECM • Bench download • Remove ECM and install it on another truck The ignition switch must be on with the engine not running at the time of the download.

Download Methods

Emergency Braking Applications • Most of the emergency braking reports are generated after the ECM senses a deceleration rate of 7 miles per hour/per second. • This setting is not a default setting. It may be adjusted by the fleet manager or owner/operator. • In some cases this parameter is not enabled. Therefore, nothing is recorded during an emergency braking application.

Detroit Diesel/Mercedes ECM • Provides the most information. • Date & time stamped. • Records two (hard brake) applications. A third application will over write the oldest record. • Records 60 seconds before and 15 seconds after the hard brake application.

Cummins ECM • Based on engine hour operation. It is extremely important to request the trip report. • Records two (panic stop) applications. A third application will over write the oldest record. • Records 45 seconds before and 15 seconds after the panic stop application.

Caterpillar ECM • Date & time stamped • Records two (quick stop) applications. A third application will over write the oldest record. • Records 45 seconds before and 15 seconds after the quick stop application. The quick stop default parameter is disabled when delivered to the owner.

Mack ECM • I have never been asked to do an ECM download on a Mack. • I don’t have the training or experience to relate the functions of the Mack ECM.

CDR & ECM Users • Accident Reconstructionists • Law Enforcement • Insurance Industry • Fleet Managers • NHTSA • Vehicle Manufacturers • Safety Engineers • Others

Let’s do an actual download

Our vehicle was a 2001 Chevrolet Caviler.

We need the VIN to obtain the information.

The CDR is located below the right front seat.

The CDR as it was mounted in the vehicle.

The CDR after removal from the vehicle.