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•
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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
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Detroit Diesel / Mercedes
Caterpillar
Cummins
Mack
• Each engine manufacturer uses a different
ECM configuration.
• The ECM’s are typically attached to the
engine block.
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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.